Pine Bush CSD- Board of Education
Minutes Regular Meeting/ Public Hearing – Smart Schools
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 – Pine Bush High School

Members Present:

• Gretchen Meier, President
• Dori Johnson
• Kristi Kheiralla
• Cara Robertson
• Ross Tompkins

Members Absent:

• Matthew Watkins

Others Present:

• Tim Mains, Superintendent of Schools
• Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business
• Amy Brockner, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
• Maria Wise, District Clerk
• John Hicks, Director of Technology
• Angela Wise-Landman, Executive Director of Human Resources, Data and School Counseling
• Approximately 10 staff and community members

 

Call to Order

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

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn Regular Session to Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson that the Board of Education adjourn regular session to executive session at approximately 6:05 PM.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn from Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education adjourn from executive session at approximately 7:09 PM.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by President 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 7:17 PM.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Pledge of Allegiance

Board President Meier requested that all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance at approximately 7:18 PM.

Superintendent Mains request to add an addition to the consent agenda

Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve to add the addition to the consent agenda.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Public Hearing – Smart Schools

Smart Schools Presentation

John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology presented on Smart Schools Bond Act Public Comment Segment – Smart Schools

(No public comments offered)

Approval for Smart Schools -Phase 4

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approved the submission of the Phase 4 Smart Schools proposal as presented by John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Minutes

Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the November 23, 2021 Regular Meeting as submitted by the District Clerk.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools

Consent Agenda

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the following consent agenda and addition to the consent agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools:

Tonight’s consent agenda includes the appointment of the following new personnel:

• Jeffrey Rich – Custodial Worker
• Christina DeGrote – Permanent Itinerant Substitute Teacher

 

Resignations/Terminations

Non Instructional

• Susan Marrocco, accept resignation for the purpose of retirement, from her position as a 7.5 hours/day Cook, effective at the close of business December 31, 2021.
• Gennaro Fiorentino, accept resignation for the purpose of retirement from his position as 1.0 FTE Head Custodian, effective at the close of business December 31, 2021.
• Melissa DeWitt accept the termination from her appointed position as Internal Claims Auditor, effective at the close of business December 7, 2021.

 

Leave of Absence

Instructional

• Gina Vanderkooy, approve request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 4.0 hour/day Teaching Assistant, effective November 29, 2021 through December 29, 2021.
• Michelle Robinson, approve a request for a paid military leave of absence effective January 6, 2022 through February 7, 2022 (as per section 242) and an unpaid leave of absence effective February 8, 2022 through March 15, 2022 from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher- Secondary.
• Erin Crispell, AMEND a request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.00 FTE Teacher-Special Education effective January 18, 2022 through June 14, 2022.

 

Appointments

Instructional

• AMEND Taylor Masterson, who holds an Initial certificate in Students with Disabilities 1-6 be appointed 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 December 6, 2021 and ending December 5, 2025. Salary level MA, Step 4.
  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, Taylor Masterson 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

Recommend the Board of Education approve a salary adjustment for the following School Secretary to align with current salary schedule negotiated with the Local 74 Clerical Unit, effective July 1, 2021. Salary for the 2021-2022 school year will be $35,016.

• Jaime Adamec – 10 month secretary -pro-rated

Jeffrey Rich – approve the probationary appointment to the position of 1.00 FTE Custodial Worker, effective December 6, 2021 at an annual salary as per contract (pro-rated).

Recommend the Board of Education approve the following resolution*:
RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the appointment of Cindy Gloster as acting Internal Claims Auditor effective December 8, 2021 through December 14, 2021

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the appointment of Mary Boylan as Internal Claims Auditor effective December 15, 2021

 

Rescinded Appointments

Non Instructional

• RESCIND the probationary appointment of Jodie Cerillo to a 3.5 Hour /Day position of School Monitor, effective November 1, 2021, salary as per contract (pro-rated).
• RESCIND the temporary appointment of Alisa Mezey to a 5.0 Hour/Day Permanent Substitute School Monitor position effective November 1, 2021 through June 24, 2022, salary as per contract (pro-rated).

 

Permanent Itinerant Substitute Teachers

Board of Education approval for the appointment of the following individuals as Permanent Itinerant Substitute Teachers, temporary position through June 24, 2022, at a daily rate of $275 plus benefits, effective date December 15, 2021, or as indicated:

• Christina DeGrote (11/29/21)

 

Recommend the Board of Education increase the daily rate of pay for substitute school nurses in the Pine Bush Central School District effective December 15, 2021 as follows:

• School Nurse $130/day

 

Per Diem Substitutes

Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes (or tutors) effective December 15, 2021 at board approved per diem substitute rates or as indicated:

• Megan Charles
• Paula Ciarelli (12/14/2021)
• Christina Braggs
• Sheri Fogelman
• Kristina Kania
• Tiffany Nye
• Christine Welch
• Erin Boyle

 

Co-Curricular

Elementary Grade Level Chairs/ Team Leaders 2021-2022

Recommend the Board of Education approve the following staff members to the following co-curricular appointments for the 2021-2022 school year, at the appropriate co-curricular stipends:

E. J. Russell Elementary School:

• Laura McGrail, Grade Level Chairperson (Kindergarten) @ Level II, Step 7 (9) through November 24, 2021.
• Allyson Moore, Grade Level Chairperson (Kindergarten) @ Level II, Step 1 (1) effective November 29, 2021.

 

Extra-Curricular

Circleville Middle School

Recommend the Board of Education approve the following extra-curricular appointments for the 2021-2022 school year, effective December 15, 2021, at the appropriate extra-curricular stipend:

• Chris Canor, Activity Club, Level VI, Step 1 (1)

 

Circleville Elementary School

Board of Education approval to AMEND the following extra-curricular appointments for the 2021-2022 school year at the appropriate extra-curricular stipend:

• Colin Noonan – Odyssey of the Mind Coach, Level III, Step 1(1)

 

Continuing Education

All positions are for instructors, assistants, counselors or lifeguards for continuing education courses for the 2021-2022 school year.  All classes and salaries are contingent upon enrollment.

Instructor Name                           Class/Position                                   Pay                      

• Joan Miller                              Pickleball for Beginners                $38-$40/student
• Joan Miller                              Stretchy Yoga                         $45/student 
• Michael Reineke                 Adult Laps                            $12.50/Hr
• Samantha Hufcut              Adult Laps                          $12.50/Hr.
• Francis Atria                         Boys Lacrosse                        $48/student 
• John Pastormerlo              Boys Lacrosse                        $48/student 
• Michael Ciarelli                   Boys lacrosse                      Volunteer 

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of CSE & CPSE Placement Recommendations

Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education placement recommendations as submitted by the CSE & CPSE Chairpersons, and reviewed by Trustee Robertson

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Policy 1330, Policy 1640, Policy 5520, Policy 5670 and Policy 5681 for Second Reading and adoption

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the below listed policies, for second reading and adoption:

• Policy 1330: Appointments and Designations by the Board
• Policy 1640: Absentee Ballots
• Policy 5520: Extra classroom Activity Fund
• Policy 5670: Records Management
• Policy 5681: School Safety Plans

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Policy 3420, Policy 5676, Policy 6120, and Policy 6121 for First Reading

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the below listed policies for first reading:

• Policy 3420: Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment in the District
• Policy 5676: Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data
• Policy 6120: Equal Opportunity
• Policy 6121: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Acknowledge Receipt and Acceptance of Donation

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of donations from the following organizations for the Gene Haas Innovation Center at Pine Bush High School: Community Foundation, and Workforce Development Institute, totaling $17,500.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of SEDCAR (Strategic Evaluation, Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting) Contracts

Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the SEDCAR (Strategic Evaluation Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting) contracts between the Pine Bush Central School District and the following private school providers in connection with IDEA flow-through monies for the 2022-2023 school year (2021-2022 grant year) and authorize the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contracts on behalf of the district:

• Abilities First. Inc.
• Center for Discovery, Inc.
• Center for Spectrum Services
• The Devereux Foundation
• Field of Dreams
• Green Chimney’s
• Learning Together, Inc.
• Liberty POST
• New York School for the Deaf
• Summit School
• United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County DBA Inspire Kids
• Anderson Center for Autism
• Mid Island Therapy Associates, LLC DBA All About Kids

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Appointment of Special Counsel

Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education adopt the following resolution to appoint special counsel:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District appoint McGivney, Kluger, Clark & Intoccia, P.C., as special defense counsel in accordance with the terms and conditions of its proposal dated December 7, 2021.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

Superintendent Mains asked for the Agenda to be amended to include a third item under II. Public Hearing for the approval of the submission of Phase 4 Smart Schools as presented by John Hicks.

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla that the agenda be amended to include the Board of Education adoption of the submission of Phase 4 Smart Schools as presented.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Public Comment

The public comment segment was opened at approx. 7:36 PM by President Meier. The following were the questions/comments/concerns raised and for complete conversation of this public comment segment refer to the online video at www.pinebushschools.org (watch board meetings). Public comment was closed at 7:59PM.

• Comment/concerns relating to bullying not being addressed in school
• Question regarding the consequences of violent fights and threats
• Comment about parent involvement in school
• Question about why parents aren’t allowed in schools
• Comment about Assistant Principal addressing bullying at Crispell Middle School
• Comment regarding a board member

 

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, January 4, 2022, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush HS School
• Tuesday, January 18, 2022, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School

 

Other Meetings/ Events

Winter Concerts

All winter concerts will be pre-recorded and posted to the website.

Winter Recess – No School December 24, 2021 – December 31, 2021President Meier clarified that school resumes on January 3, 2021

 

Old, New Business / Updates

Superintendent Mains discussed the process of dealing with threats and violence. He also discussed social media monitoring. He additionally addressed the concern over parent partnership and in-person events. Lastly
he started a discussion with the board in reference to the Pine Bush mascot and possibly changing it. This was tabled and will be revisited in the spring time.

Trustee Robertson reminded everyone of the need for volunteers on the All Night Graduation Committee. She mentioned that fundraisers are in progress.

 

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 # 0032 dated 11/10/2021 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,233,588.17

• Cafeteria Fund (3 checks 005758-005760) $ 70,200.52
• HS Activity Fund (5 checks 004379-004383) 422.02
• CVMS Activity Fund (1 check 001671) 1,055.98
• Federal Fund Acct. (6 checks 002648-002653) 47,721.24
• General Fund (104 checks 070007-070110) 1,114,188.41

Total $ 1,233,588.17

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0033 dated 11/19/2021 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 853,486.28

• Cafeteria Fund (13 checks 005761-005773) $ 87,522.26
• HS Activity Fund (3 checks 004384-004386) 1,395.71
• Federal Fund Acct. (8 checks 002654-002661) 65,099.79
• Capital Fund (4 check 001926-001929) 222,204.42
• General Fund (101 checks 070111-070211) 477,264.10

Total $ 853,486.28

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0034 dated 11/24/2021 payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,069,579.57

• PR Transactions (13 checks 004444-004456) $ 1,069,579.57

Total $ 1,069,579.57

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0035 dated 11/24/2021 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 3,887,498.53

• Cafeteria Fund (1 check 005774) $ 0.06
• Crispell SAF (1 check 002359) 386.46
• HS Activity Fund (3 checks 004387-004389) 1,235.34
• Federal Fund Acct (4 checks 002662-002665) 8,906.32
• Capital Fund (7 checks 001930-001936) 1,683,046.95
• General Fund (34 checks 070212-070245) 2,193,923.40

Total $ 3,887,498.53

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0036 dated 12/3/21 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 496,220.96

• Cafeteria Fund (1 check 005775) $ 42.67
• HS Activity Fund (3 checks 004390-004392) 1,288.21
• Federal Fund Acct (4 checks 002666-002669) 18,998.17
• General Fund (87 checks 070246-070332) 475,891.91

Total $ 496,220.96

 

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval to Appropriate Fund Balance for HAAS Center Equipment

Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approved the following resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District designate the HAAS center equipment as an ordinary contingent expense, and authorizes unassigned fund balance not to exceed $688.19 to cover the cost of the equipment, and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools or his designee to sign all applicable documents.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

Approval of SCAR Assessment Reduction Decisions

Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approved the following property tax refund based upon Small Claim Assessment Review (SCAR) decision authorizing reductions of the assessment:

Town of Crawford

Name School Year S-B-L Old Assessment New Assessment Refund Amt

• William Farrell 2021-2022 8-1-30.222 $110,400 $101,900 $497.76
  182 St Rte. 302, Apt. 1 Pine Bush, NY
• Jeffrey White 2021-2022 11-1-59 $152,400 $145,800 $386.50
  262 Warn Ave. Pine Bush, NY

Town of Wallkill

• Shan McSweeney 2021-2022 7-2-47 $113,300 $97,200 $1,840.11
  Angela McSweeney 77 Hufcut Rd. Middletown, NY

Total Refund $2,724.37

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Consideration of Executive Session

Hearing no matters for executive session, President Meier asked for a motion to adjourn.

 

Adjournment

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting noting the time at approximately 8:24PM.

YES- 5 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).