Minutes Regular Board Meeting – February 9, 2021

Location: Virtual (Originally Scheduled for CVMS)

Consideration of Executive Session –A contract and Student Privacy 6:00 PM

Regular Session 7:00 PM

Meeting televised Live Streamed remotely with attendance via Google Meet Hangouts. Video and Minutes to be Posted to Website with Closed Caption.

Members Present:

• Gretchen Meier, President
• Cara Robertson, Vice President
• Kristin Graessle
• Dori Johnson
• Kristi Kheiralla
• Ross Tompkins
• Matthew Watkins

Members Absent:

• None

 

Others Present:

• Tim Mains, Superintendent of Schools
• Donna Geidel, Deputy Superintendent of Schools
• Amy Brockner, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
• Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business
• Angela Wise, Executive Director of Human Resources, Data and Counseling
• Linda Smith, District Communications Representative
• John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
• Maria Wise, District Clerk
• Approximately 28 residents/students/staff members (virtual)

 

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by President Gretchen Meier with the following motion offered:

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:01 PM

YES –7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn to Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Watkins , that the Board of Education adjourn regular session to executive session for a discussion regarding a contract and student privacy at approx.6:03 PM.

YES –7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn Executive Session and Return to Regular Session

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education adjourn executive session to regular session at approximately 7:08PM.

YES –7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

BOE Resumes Regular/Public Session

MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education resume the regular meeting/public session at approximately 7:10 PM.

YES –7 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. 7:10 PM.

 

Approval of Minutes

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the January 26, 2021 regular board meeting as submitted by the District Clerk.

YES –7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Board of Education Approves to Include an Addition to the Agenda

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education approve to add an addition to the agenda of a resolution to Acknowledge and Accept Re-Opening Guidance for Sports which was added after Old/New Business/Updates.

YES –7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools

Consent Agenda

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the following Consent Agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools:

Tonight’s consent agenda included the appointment of the following:

• Catherine Spotorno – School Secretary,
• Michaela Veneziali – School Monitor, Cynthia Ghiold – School Monitor,
• Louise Hadden – School Monitor

 

Abolishment

Non-Instructional

Board of Education authorized for the Abolishment of the following position:
(1) One Full-Time 1.0 FTE Physical Therapy Assistant Position, effective March 1, 2021.

 

Creation

Instructional

Board of Education approved to establish 11 six hour-a day Teaching Assistant positions effective February 10, 2021 and

Be it further Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools shall recall 11 Teaching Assistants from the Preferred Eligibility List in order of seniority to fill these positions.

 

Non-Instructional

Board of Education authorized the Creation of the following positions:

• (1) One Part-Time 0.4 FTE Physical Therapy Assistant position, effective March 1, 2021, salary as per contract.
• (1) One Full-Time 1.0 FTE Assistive Technology Specialist position, effective March 1, 2021, salary as per contract.

 

Resignations

Non-Instructional

Dan Harper, resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from his position as a 1.0 FTE Maintenance Worker, effective at the close of business February 25, 2021.

 

Appointments

Instructional – Amend

• Colin Noonan who holds an Initial certificate in Students with Disabilities 1-6, appointment amended to the probationary position of a 1.0 FTE Teacher-Special Education in the tenure area of Special Education (General) for a
  four year probationary period commencing September 1, 2020 and ending August 31, 2024, to reflect amended salary level BA30, Step 1 of the salary schedule. Be it further resolved that, to the extent applicable under
  Education Law Section 3012-d and the accompanying Commissioner's Regulations, in order to be considered for tenure, Colin Noonan must have received an APPR rating of effective or highly effective in three of the four
  probationary years and must not receive an ineffective in the fourth year.

 

Non-Instructional – Amend

• Denise Coen, 6.5 hours/day, appointment amended to reflect the effective date of January 25, 2021 to the previously approved appointment to reinstate and change the title to the probationary position of Teacher Aide, through the following appointment, salary as per MOA (pro-rated), effective on January 19, 2021 or at a later date pending the district return to in person hybrid instruction for grade 7-12, as indicated.

 

Non-Instructional – Appointment

• Catherine Spotorno, probationary appointment, to a full-time 12-month School Secretary, effective February 10, 2021, noting she is certified for such appointment through the Orange County Department of Human Resources.
  Salary for the 2020-2021 school year as per contract (pro-rated).
• Michaela Veneziali*, probationary appointment, to a 3.5 hours/day position of School Monitor, effective February 10, 2021, salary as per contract (prorated for 2020-2021).

*Such appointment is conditioned upon the District’s receipt of clearance for employment from the N.Y. State Education Department relating to the fingerprinting and criminal history record check of the prospective school employees. The emergency conditional segments of the appointments shall commence as of February 10, 2021 and shall not exceed twenty (20)
business days.

• Cynthia Ghiold, probationary appointment, to a 3.5 hours/day position of School Monitor, effective February 10, 2021, salary as per contract (prorated for 2020-2021).
• Louise Hadden*, probationary appointment, to a 3.5 hours/day position of School Monitor, effective February 10, 2021, salary as per contract (prorated for 2020-2021).

*Such appointment is conditioned upon the District’s receipt of clearance for employment from the N.Y. State Education Department relating to the fingerprinting and criminal history record check of the prospective school employees. The emergency conditional segments of the appointments shall commence as of February 10, 2021 and shall not exceed twenty (20)
business days.

 

Sixth-Period Assignment

Pine Bush High School (.5)

• Erin Crispell, Special Education, to a .5/ sixth period/additional assignment for the 2020-2021 school year, effective on January 4, 2021.

 

Continuing Education

Instructors for continuing education courses for the 2020-2021 school year. All classes and salaries are contingent upon enrollment.

INSTRUCTOR NAME CLASS/POSITION PAY

• Michael Reineke Lifeguard Certification $100-$150/student
• Michael Reineke First Aid/CPR/AED certification $20-$35/student

 

Per Diem Substitutes

Board approved the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes effective February 10, 2021 (or as noted) at board approved per diem substitute rates:

• Theresa Valastro (January 26,2021)
• Jessica Zukor (January 26, 2021)
• Jaclyn Krauss
• Taleeya Parker
• Marisa Thorbjornsen (February 8, 2021)

 

Interscholastic

Board approved the following interscholastic winter coaching appointments for the 2020-2021 school year at the appropriate interscholastic stipends, effective February 4, 2021:

Boys Basketball

• Dan Conley, Varsity Coach @ Level I, Step 10 (17)
• Gregory Jaloszynski**, Volunteer Coach

 

Girls Basketball

• Michelle Bouffard, Varsity Coach @ Level I, Step 3 (3)
• Lisa Bouffard, Volunteer Coach
• Elizabeth Valdez**, Volunteer Coach

 

Wresting

• John Petrofsky, Varsity Coach @ Level I, Step 3 (3)
• Patrick Sause, Varsity Assistant Coach @Level II, Step 5(6)

** Pending completion of coaching requirements/coaching license

YES –7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

CSE and CPSE Placement Recommendation

MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Tompkins, 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 Watkins.

YES –6 NO – 0 Abstain – 1 (Johnson) MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Resolution / Retirement Incentive

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution relative to retirement incentive

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Memorandum of Agreement entered into between the Pine Bush Central School District (PBCSD) and the Pine Bush Teachers’ Association (PBTA), relative to retirement incentive, a copy of which shall be attached to the
minutes, is hereby approved.

Date: February 9, 2021

YES –7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Budget Work Session Segment

Budget Presentations:

• 2021-2022 Budget Rollover Projections
• Projected State Aid / Tax Cap Calculation
• CAPITAL – Operations & Maintenance
• ADMIN – Management and Classified Staff
• PROGRAM –Extracurricular Activities /Athletics
• Technology Presentation
• Transportation Presentation

The budget presentations for Tuesday evening began with Assistant Superintendent Michael Pacella presenting Powerpoint presentations regarding Budget Rollover Projections, Projected State Aid/Tax Cap Calculation, Operation & Maintenance, Management and Classified Staff, followed by Director of Technology, John Hicks presenting on Technology and concluding with Supervisor of Transportation, Kurt Wickham presenting on
Transporation.

Mr. Pacella presented a review of the following first of many budget presentations to come: 2021-2022 “Rollover” Budget, 2021-2022 Property Tax Cap Calculation, and 2021-2022 Preliminary State Aid Analysis. Some
of the highlights of this presentation included the following: Explanation of a Rollover Budget… It’s the current year’s programs calculated into next year’s dollars. Since this is a very preliminary look at a future cost of the current program, there are still best guess estimates as some factors are not known at this point in our budget building phase. The rollover budget presented tonight will include costs of programs that were approved for the current year and assumed that they will operate 2021-2022 at full capacity. The presentation continued with a review of the following:

CURRENT BUDGET to “ROLLOVER” BUDGET

• 2020-2021 Approved Budget $121,587,157
• 2021-2022 “Rollover” Budget $124,579,278
• Dollar Change $ 2,992,121
• Percentage Change 2.46 %

The presentation continued with a review of the “Rollover budget breakdown,” as well as current budgeted aid vs current estimated aid, current budgeted aid vs Governor’s proposed aid, review of Tax Levy to support the budget
and Tax Cap Calculation.

IN CONCLUSION, the following “Unknowns” were reviewed:

• How or how much will the Federal stimulus funds help our district?
• Will Albany balance its budget on the backs of school districts;
• To what capacity will schools re-open in September
• Will COVID protocols (masks, spacing, quarantining) continue in September?
• Will Vaccines be mandatory?

 

CAPITAL – Operations & Maintenance, ADMIN – Management and Classified Staff PROGRAM–Extracurricular Activities/Sports

Assistant Superintendent Michael Pacella presented CAPITAL – Operations & Maintenance:

• Current Staffing at 59.0 Total (no change from prior year)

2021-2022 Preliminary Budget Changes:

• Salaries ($143,227 – 3.7% increase)
• Equipment ($0 – 0.00% increase)
• Utilities ($0 – 0.00% increase)
• Repairs and Maintenance ($0 – 0.00% increase)
• Debt Service ($60,133 – 1.2% decrease)
• Other miscellaneous ($2,000 – .16% decrease)
• BOCES services ($1,382 – 2.00% increase) We have not received final updated rates
• Net change $82,476 – .66% increase

Mr. Pacella continued with a review of debt service and facility usage fees. In conclusion of the O & M Presentation, future plans were stated as follows:

Add one Groundskeeper/Maintenance Worker

• Current custodial position to be assumed by Food Service Fund

 

Energy Performance Contract (EPC)

• Interior & Exterior Lighting upgrades are 90% complete
• Upgraded heating controls are substantially complete & being inspecte
• Solar PV systems will be installed during Spring Recess
• Rest of the project is substantially complete

 

Capital Improvement Plan

• Construction for Group 1 Schools will begin this year

1. CVMS, CES, PAK and PBHS

• The preparation of plans & specifications for Group 2 schools underway and construction will begin in 2022

CRSP, EJR and PBE

In continuing with the budget presentations, Mr. Pacella presented the following:

2021-2022 Proposed Administrative Staffing

MANAGEMENT/CLASSIFIED STAFF:

DISTRICT SCHOOL MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

• 1.0 Superintendent of Schools
• 2.0 Assistant Superintendents
• 1.0 Executive Director-HR/Data/Assessment
• 7.0 Building Principals
• 10.0 Assistant Principals
• 6.0 Directors

 

Athletics, P.E. & Health; Special Programs; Security; Education Technology; Operations & Maintenance; Transportation (funded by Bus Company)

• 2.0 Assistant Directors

 

Special Programs

• 29.0 Total (no change from prior year)

Does not include a Director and Assistant for Food Services –Separate budget

 

CENTRAL OFFICE POSITIONS:

• 16.0 Total (no change from prior year)

 

OTHER DISTRICT CLASSIFIED POSITIONS:

• 62.5 Total (no change from prior year)

 

FOOD SERVICE FUNDED STAFF:

• 1 School Lunch Manager
• 1 Assistant School Lunch Manager
• 1 Principal Clerk
• 1 Custodial Worker/Courier (Shift from General Fund)
• 2 Cook Manager
• 3 Cook
• 7 Assistant Cook
• 29 Food Service Helpers (not all full time)

46 Total

 

EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMS AND ATHLETICS

Mr. Pacella reviewed the following current Elementary, Middle and High School Extracurricular Activities:

Elementary Schools (12 positions)

• Odyssey of the Mind, S.T.E.A.M. Art

 

Middle Schools (28 positions)

• Yearbook, Student Council, Honor Society, 8 th Grade Advisor, (2) Odyssey of the Mind, World Language Club (CVMS), Interact, S.T.E.A.M., Drama, Media, Multi-Cultural/Diversity, Fitness/Activity, Students Making a Difference
  (Crispell), Coding

Current High School Extracurricular Activities (29 Positions)

• Musical Director, Assistant Musical Director, Musical Choreographer, Senior Class Advisor, Junior Class Advisor, Sophomore Class Advisor, Freshman Class Advisor, Youth in Government, Play Director; Assistant Play Director, Jazz Band, Honor Society, Mock Trial, Teen Outreach, Unity Club, Interact Club, (2) Odyssey of the Mind, Newspaper, Academy of Finance, Human Services Academy, World Languages Club, First Aid Club, Wellness Club, STAR Club, Math Club, First Robotics Club, Polaris Club, SADD Club

FALL SPORTS FOR 2021-2022 (34 POSITIONS):

Fall, 34 positions

• Football – V; JV; Mod
• Girls & Boys Soccer – V; JV; Mod
• Girls Swimming/Diving – V
• Girls Volleyball – V; JV; Mod
• Girls & Boys X-Country – V; Mod
• Girls Tennis – V; JV
• Cheerleading – V; JV
• Girls Field Hockey – V; JV: Mod

 

Winter, 23 Positions

• Boys Swimming/Diving – V
• Girls & Boys Indoor Track – V
• Boys Wrestling – V; JV; Mod
• Girls & Boys Basketball – V; JV; Mod
• Cheerleading – V; JV

Spring, 34 Positions

• Boys Baseball – V; JV; Mod
• Girls Softball – V; JV; Mod
• Girls & Boys Lacrosse – V; JV; Mod
• Girls & Boys Track- V; Mod
• Boys Tennis – V; JV
• Girls* & Boys Golf – V
• Unified Basketball

Requested again for 2021-2022

• Unified Bowling (Estimated $7,000)

At the conclusion, Mr. Pacella was thanked for his presentation.

 

TECHNOLOGY:

Director of Educational Technology, John Hicks, next presented on technology. Highlights of his presentation included the following:

Staffing:

• Director
• Copy Center
  1 District Copy Monitor

• SchoolTool (Student Management System):
  1 Data Entry and Control Clerk
  1 Principal Clerk (state reporting)

• Computer and Network Support (district level)
  2 Computer Network Specialists
  1 Technical Support Assistant
  3 Instructional Technology Coaches
        (1 added in 2013-14, 1 added in 2014-2015, 1 added in 2019-20)
  1 IT Support Specialist (Core BTS)
         (Replaced Technical Services Mgr. in 2016-2017)

• Computer Support (building level)
  3 Computer Teaching Assistants (6 hour)
      EJR, PAK, PBE
  4 Full-time Technical Assistants (12 month)
       CES, CMS, CVMS, HS

A chart was provided with a review of computers, Chromebooks, and Work Orders for 2013-2014 through 2020-2021, noting the increase in work orders in 2020-2021. Also provided in a chart format was a review of Technology
Purchase Plan for 2021-2022.

The presentation continued showing in review the following:

BUDGET INCLUDES:

• Computer/Chromebook purchases
• Software subscriptions
• Internet/Data network (through BOCES)
• Cyber Security Solutions
• Data Collection/Reporting (BOCES)
• Network Printers (BOCES)
• Maintenance/contractual agreements
• Telephone service
• District copiers (BOCES)
• Professional Reference Library (through BOCES)
• Library Automation (BOCES)
• E Rate Consortium (BOCES)
• Replacement parts and supplies
• Staff training

Mr. Hicks continued with a review of Smart Schools, Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3, and Phase 4 and what we currently have completed to date and where we currently stand moving forward.

Finally, Mr. Hicks reviewed Security and Privacy, as well as new Education Law 2-D requirements. Highlights included the following:

Network and Data Security:

• Numerous solutions have been implemented over the past 18 months
• Continuously being reviewed

Data Privacy:

• NYS Board of Regents approved the Ed Law 2-D Regulations on January 13, 2020 to protect student data
• Significantly impacts the existing software subscriptions, new software subscriptions and the use of free software.

Security and Data Privacy:

• We have taken a layered approach to address security and data privacy
• It is extremely important to note that while cyber threats are not making major headlines during the pandemic, the threat of cyber-attack has actually increased over the past year.

1. Many bad actors are trying to take advantage of the pandemic
2. While many people are feeling anxious about the pandemic, they easily can let their guard down when it comes to a cyber-attack.

Mr. Hicks was thanked for his presentation.

 

TRANSPORTATION:

Supervisor of Transportation, Mr. Wickham presented on 2021-2022 Transportation Program. Some of the highlights of his presentation included the following:

• The goal for transportation is to provide efficient, safe routes, while maximizing state aid
• In district bus runs are kept at approximately one hour while maximizing student capacity
• COVID-19 restrictions reduced ridership capacity by over 50% per bus due to distancing requirements and in some cases lengthened run times.

Contractors

• Birnie Bus:
• Parent transport

Total Number of Trips:

• 87 General Education large bus
• 19 small bus
• 26 Special Education
• 10 Private / Parochial

District Size:

• 108.8 Sq. Miles

Projected Transportation of Students 2021-2022 – Assumed regular schedule (no A/B days)

• High School 12 Runs (46/bus) Walkers =13
• Crispell Middle 26 Runs (46/bus) Walkers =37
• Circleville Middle 12 Runs (44/bus) Walkers = 9
• Circleville Elementary 9 Runs (52/bus) Walkers = 0
• Pine Bush Elementary 12 Runs (53/bus) Walkers = 1
• EJ Russell Elementary 9 Runs (55/bus) Walkers = 70
• Pakanasink Elementary 7 Run (58/bus) Walkers = 4

Totals: 87 Trips, 4,277 Students, 134 Walkers

 

Other Transportation 2020-2021:

• Special Education 26
• Private/Parochial 10
• McKinney Vento 3
• PM OOSS 0
• Work/Life Skills 1
• C-Tech to and from home on A/B schedule 8

48 Trips

 

Other Transportation for 2021-2022:

Projected route changes:

• Current transportation routes will remain the same
• Afternoon Out of School Suspension(OSS) –Will be needed if resumed regular schedule
• C-Tech to and from home A/B schedule – Will not be needed if resumed regular schedule
• Summer Special Education – 22 runs will be needed if resumed regular schedule

Goals:

• Bus assignments to be emailed to each student
• Every office support staff to be familiar with the transportation information system. This will allow a quicker response time to parent busing Questions.

Mr. Wickham was thanked for his presentation.

 

Public Participation

The first public participation segment was open at approx. 8:15 PM. Some of the following questions/comments/concerns raised and received before 5 PM, for complete conversation of this public participation, refer to the online video at www.pinebushschools.org (watch board meetings):

• Statement made by staff member, in reference to the safety of being in the building.
• Question asked by two different community members about whether the district is having modified baseball this year
• Question asked in reference to temperature and ventilation due to students complaining of freezing because teachers are keeping windows open.
• Statement in reference to sports and cross contamination should not be an excuse. Reference to siblings attending another school, parents that are teachers in other schools, travel team kids, everyone is cross contaminated. Also stating that this will have a huge setback for athletes and any ounce of school spirit we have left.
• Statement/comment: Individual understands the social, emotional and athletic needs brought by many however pushing for hybrid learning before the numbers are safe puts lives and safety of staff and students and their families at risk.
• Question/comment: Why is it safe for children and faculty to be in buildings and board members still do virtual meetings?
• Concern/question raised about snow days and what happens after we have used all 5 snow days.
• Two separate statements made thanking Mr. Mains, Mrs. Geidel, Mr. Gillespie and coaches for getting varsity teams together.

 

Upcoming Board Meetings, Events / Old, New Business / Updates

Upcoming board meetings and events will be 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, February 23, 2021, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush High School
• Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush High School
• Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School
• Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 7:00 PM Pine Bush High School

 

Other Important Dates

School Board Member Petition Packets –Available first week in March at District Office. (See Maria Wise, District Clerk)

Prospective School Board Member Workshop

• Saturday, March 20, 2021, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM via Zoom
• Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Register via email to Karyn Meier, OCSBA at karyn.meier@ocsba.com registration forms available contact Maria Wise.

OCSBA Announcement: Mandated Training for New School Board Members in School District Governance

• Part 1 –Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 5: 30 PM,
• Part 2 –Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 5:30 PM

Maria Wise will register any new board members who plan to attend; there will also be options through NYSSBA.

 

Old/New Business/Updates

OSCBA Update – Kristin Graessle attended the Orange County School Board Association Meeting which was held virtually and reported that OCSBA Members met with State Senators and that the 2021 Legislative Priorities
discussed were making education funding an absolute priority, adjusting the property tax cap formula, school health and safety needs, and supporting public school district governance. Topics of conversation of all districts represented at the meeting were high-risk sports and how districts are handling them, student and staff mental health, safely continuing the re-opening of schools and how to prioritize Covid-19 vaccines for students and staff who want them.

Superintendent Mains had three items for discussion. His first item was clarification for high risk sports. Mr. Mains discussed all the guidelines that are in place for sports. Mr. Gillespie, Athletic Director made additional statement
with details about all the procedures and protocols that the district has put in place. Discussion ensued over how to proceed with regards to approving resolutions for sports.

Second item Mr. Mains wanted to share was that tonight was Donna Geidel’s last meeting. She was thanked by Mr. Mains and the Board of Education.

Third item Mr. Mains wanted to share was a welcome to Maria Wise, new district clerk.

 

Approval of Resolution to Acknowledge and Accept Re-Opening Guidance for Sports:

Addition to the Agenda

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the New York State’s Re-opening Guidance for Sports and Recreation activities categorizes sports/activities as lower risk, modern risk, and higher risk; and
WHEREAS, on January 22, 2021 Governor Cuomo announced that sports categorized as high risk sports (including wrestling, basketball, ice hockey, etc.) will be permitted as of February 1, 2021 as permitted by the local health department; and
WHEREAS, on January 29, 2021 the Orange County Department of Health (OC DOH) issued its guidance allowing high risk school sports in Orange County; and
WHEREAS, effective February 1, 2021, and until otherwise indicated, student-athletes are permitted to participate in K-12 sponsored sports categorized as higher risk in Orange County provided the specific requirements of the January 29, 2021 OC requirements are met; and
WHEREAS, on February 5, 2021 the OC DOH published additional guidance which schools must do at a minimum in order to commence higher risk sports. Said guidance was further clarified in an email on February 8. The requirements include:

• The District must disseminate to parents/guardians of student-athletes and athletic staff (at a minimum) via email the “Health Risk Communication” document authored by the OC DOH and post said document in a conspicuous place on the District’s website;
• Parents/guardians and students wanting to participate in higher risk sports must give their informed, written consent to participation by signing the OC DOH Code of Conduct;
• The District must retain the original OC DOH Code of Conduct and present the document upon request to the Commissioner of Health of any such county where the student-athlete plays sports;
• The Board of Education or the Superintendent must authorize the District’s offering of higher risk sports, specifying which sports will be permitted to be played, and which grades will be permitted to play;
• Each player must have a physical from either last or this academic year. Individuals with a previous COVID-19 diagnosis must have an in-person medical evaluation and clearance by a doctor or other healthcare provider after recuperation from Covid-19 (cardiovascular clearance is recommended)
  before engaging in athletic activity;
• Parents, Coaches, and athletes must be fully informed about the risk of disease transmission, acknowledge the risks as well as other known and unknown potentially serious life-threatening consequences, and provide informed, written consent prior to participating in higher risk sports;
• The District must follow, unless more stringent guidance is provided by OC DOH (see below), the most recent New York State Guidance, Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (Master Guidance) available at
  https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/SportsAndRecreationMasterGuidance.pdf ;
• The District must follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance relative to the wearing of face coverings, available at https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-
  infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-interim-guidance-return-to-sports/ (amended from time to time);
• The District must establish a hierarchy for oversight/violations and provide the OC DOH with the name and contact information of its COVID-19 athletic coordinator;
• The District must also ensure:

1. Players and coaches adhere closely to the required daily attestation regarding COVID-19 symptoms and potential exposure; and
2. Best practices are followed, as outlined in the document entitled “High Risk Sport Protocols for Counties” issued by the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal Association (NYMIR). and

WHEREAS, The Superintendent has established and may continue to establish additional safeguards to protect athletes, coaches, families and the community which currently include:

• Testing of athletes for Covid-19 (random initially, but could become mandatory)
• Asking all athletes to sign the Code of Conduct and the Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risk Form, not just athletes in Higher Risk sports
• Requiring all athletes (except swimmers) to remain masked during competitions

NOW THEREFORE, the Pine Bush Central School District Board of Education hereby acknowledges the receipt and acceptance of the superintendent’s recommendation to allow participation in the following sports for the 2020-2021 Winter Season:

Sport                                Play Level           Risk Level       Grades allowed to Participate

Boys Basketball         Varsity                   Higher Risk                       9-12

Girls Basketball           Varsity                   Higher Risk                      9-12

Wrestling                          Varsity                   Higher Risk                      9-12

Boys Swimming           Varsity              Low/Moderate Risk        8*-12
subject to compliance with the OC DOH guidance and other New York State and/or NYSPHSAA guidance.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Orange County Code of Conduct form, and the District’s Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk form prepared by our attorneys.

*Only 8 th graders who participated last year as 7 th graders will be allowed. There will be no APP process this school year.

YES – 5 NO – 2 (Graessle, Kheiralla) MOTION CARRIED

Roll Call:

• C. Robertson Yes
• K. Kheiralla No
• G. Meier Yes
• D. Johnson Yes
• M. Watkins Yes
• K. Graessle No
• R. Tompkins Yes

 

Business & Finance

Claim Auditor’s Reports

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the following Claims Auditor’s Reports as submitted:

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0045 1/15/2021 Check Run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 581,792.27

• Capital Fund (1 check 001856) $117,280.59
• General Fund (82 checks 066399 -066480) $ 464,511.68

Total $ 581,792.27

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0046 1/22/2021 Check Run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,379,123.85

• Cafeteria Fund (9 checks 005497-005505) $28,126.84
• Capital Fund (3 checks 001857-01859) $23,761.08
• General Fund (37 checks 066481-066517) $1,327,203.93
• District Activity Fund (1 check 005691) $ 32.00

Total $ 1,379,123.85

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of a 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 2020-2021 school year with the White Plains City School District at a per student cost of $1,170.88. The contract covers one (1) student who is a Pine Bush resident attending a non-public school (and verified) within the White Plains City School District for a total contract cost of $ 1,170.88.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Public Participation

Due to the meeting being held virtually, all comments received by 5 PM were read into the record during the first public participation. Therefore, there were no further comments for the second public participation.

 

Consideration of Executive Session

Adjournment

Moved by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting noting the time at approximately 9:38 p.m.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Note: BOARD MEETINGS are live streamed and video recorded with closed captioning available and can be viewed at www.pinebushschools.org   

Maria Wise (electronically signed/mw)
 Maria Wise, District Clerk Pine Bush CSD
                

(Disclosure: Minutes will be printed on numbered
minute paper and placed in the district minute
books).