Pine Bush CSD- Board of Education
Minutes Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 18, 2022 – Circleville Middle School
Members Present:
- Gretchen Meier, President
- Dori Johnson
- Cara Robertson
- Ross Tompkins
Members Absent:
- Matthew Watkins
- Kristi Kheiralla
Others Present:
- Michael Pacella, Interim Superintendent of Schools & 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 Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 5:30 PM
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn Regular Session to Executive Session
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education adjourn regular session to executive session at approximately 5:31 PM.
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn from Executive Session
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education adjourn from executive session at approximately 6:53 PM. .
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Meier with the following motion offered:
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 7:00 PM.
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Pledge of Allegiance
Board President Meier requested that all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the January 4, 2022 meeting as submitted by the District Clerk.
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Reports, Recommendations of the Interim Superintendent of Schools
Consent Agenda
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the following consent agenda as submitted by the Interim Superintendent of Schools:
Tonight’s consent agenda includes the appointment of the following:
Interim Superintendent Michael Pacella stated that there is one appointment of Pine Bush’s favorite daughter Donna Geidel and she has accepted the position of Interim Superintendent of Schools for six months. He went on to announce:
- Veronica Birmingham– Teaching Assistant
- Caitlynn Herrmann – Teaching Assistant
- Tami Kretschmer – Permanent Teaching Assistant Substitute
- Caroline Deligny – Typist
- Stephanie Valk – Food Service Helper
All were welcomed by applause.
Creation
The Board of Education authorize the creation of the following position:
- (1) 1.0 FTE 10 month Registered Professional Nurse
Resignations
Non Instructional
- Veronica Birmingham, resignation from her position as a 3.5 hours/day School Monitor effective at the close of business January 18, 2022.
- Alexandra Cuebas, resignation from her position as a 3.5 hours/day School Monitor effective at the close of business January 21, 2022.
- Caroline Deligny, resignation from her position as a 6.5 hours/day Teacher Aide effective at the close of business January 18, 2022.
- Jillian Marchese, resignation from her position as a 6.5 hours/day Teacher Aide, effective at the close of business January 14, 2022.
Leave of Absence
Instructional
- Barbara Lieberman, request for an unpaid leave from her position as a 6.5 hours/day Teaching Assistant effective January 18, 2022 through June 24, 2022.
Non Instructional
- Hazel Michel, request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 3.0 hours/day Food Service Helper effective January 10, 2022 through March 10, 2022.
Appointments
Administrative
Recommend the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District appoints Donna Geidel as Interim Superintendent of Schools, effective January 19, 2022, according to the terms and conditions of an employment agreement, a fully executed copy of which shall be placed on file with the District Clerk.
Instructional
- AMEND the appointment of Jamie Lindsley, who holds an Emergency Covid-19 certificate in Students with Disabilities 1-6, be appointed to the position of 1.0 FTE Permanent Substitute Teacher in the Special Education (General) for the period of August 30, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022. Salary Level MA Step 2 of the salary schedule.
- Veronica Birmingham, who holds a Teaching Assistant Level I certificate, be appointed on probation as a part-time, non-tenure bearing, 6.0 Hour/Day Teaching Assistant, effective January 19, 2022, salary as per contract (pro-rated).
- Caitlynn Herrmann, who holds a Teaching Assistant Level I certificate, be appointed on probation as a part-time, non-tenure bearing, 4.0 Hour/Day Teaching Assistant, effective January 18, 2022, salary as per contract
(pro-rated). - Tami Kretschmer, who holds a Teaching Assistant Level I certificate, be appointed to the position of 6.5 hours/day Permanent Substitute Teaching Assistant position for the period of January 19, 2022 and ending June 30, 2022, salary as per contract (pro-rated).
Non Instructional
- Caroline Deligny, probationary appointment as a full time 12 month Typist, effective January 19, 2022 at an annual salary as per contract (pro-rated), noting she is certified for such appointment through the Orange
County Department of Human Resources. - Stephanie Valk, probationary appointment to a 3.5 hr/day position of Food Service Helper, effective January 18, 2022 salary as per contract (pro-rated).
Co-Curricular
Board of Education approval of the following instructional staff members teaching 1/3 sixth period/additional assignment for the 2021-2022 school year at 1/3 of the annual contractual stipend of $5,500 pro-rated effective January 18, 2022:
Introduction to Occupations Class
- Kathleen Bisaillon
- Christine Guarino
- Stephanie Singleton
Extra-Curricular
Pine Bush High School
AMEND the following extra-curricular appointments for the 2021-2022 school year:
- Ellen Friel, Robotics Co-Advisor, Level IV, Step 1(1) effective January 6, 2022 through March 15, 2022
- Patrick Reiser, Robotics Co-Advisor, Level IV, Step 1(2) effective January 6, 2022 through March 15, 2022
Circleville Middle School
- AMEND the following extra-curricular appointments for the 2021-2022 school year at the appropriate extra-curricular stipend:
- RESCIND Chris Canor, S.T.E.A.M Club Co-Advisor, Level V, Step 1 (2), effective November 23, 2021
Per Diem Substitutes
Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes (or tutors) effective January 19, 2022 (or as noted) at board approved per diem substitute rates:
- Katelyn Newman (1-12-22)
- Gary DiChiara
- Caitlin Ciano
- Brian Shaw (1-18-22)
- Jillian Marchese (1-18-22)
Supervision
Board approval of the following appointment of the following school personnel for supervision duties in connection with Fall, Winter, and Spring sporting events during the 2021-2022 school year at the rate of $20/hour:
- Vincent Emanuele
- Marcus Samerson
- Kate Shadrin
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
- Gillian Batchasingh Stretchy Yoga $45/Student
- Bernadette Carnes Pickleball for Beginners $40/Student
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of CSE & CPSE Placement Recommendations
Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, 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 Kheiralla. Noting that President Meier informed that Trustee Kheiralla was unable to join virtually this evening due to her not having Internet service.
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of SEDCAR (Strategic Evaluation, Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting) Contract
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the SEDCAR (Strategic Evaluation Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting) contract between the Pine Bush Central School District and the following private school provider in connection with IDEA flow-through
monies for the 2022-2023 school year (2021-2022 grant year) and authorize the Interim Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on behalf of the district:
- The Arc Greater Hudson Valley NY- Mt. Hope
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Long Range Planning Study Report / Demographics Update
Michael Pacella, Interim Superintendent of Schools and Assistant Superintendent for Business provided a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the Long Range Planning Study / Demographic Update for 2022. Copies of the presentation are available to all. Some highlights from the presentation were:
Key Projected Enrollment Factors
The 2021-22 enrollment projections were within 12 students, or .03% of the actual enrollment.
K-12 enrollment declined by 1,012 students in the last 10 years:
- K-5 experienced a 519 student loss (21.5%)
- 6-8 experienced a 214 student loss (16.2%)
- 9-12 experienced a 279 student loss (14.5%)
A decrease of 518 students is projected over the next 10 years:
- K-5 projected to lose 120 students (6.3%)
- 6-9 projected to lose 66 students (6.0%)
- 9-12 projected to lose 332 students (20.2%)
Summary:
- New York is the fourth most populous state in the country, behind California, Texas and Florida.
- Prior to 2014, New York was third. Migration is the lead factor for the changes.
- The housing market continues to see price increases.
- The district continues to see a steady decrease in public school enrollment but a significant increase in non-public enrollment.
- Over the next 5 year period, all grade levels are projected to continue losing students.
- The accuracy of these projections has averaged over 99% over the past few years and was within 12 students or 99.7% accurate from last year.
Mr. Pacella was thanked for his presentation.
Public Comment
The public comment segment was opened at approx. 7:17 p.m. 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 7:22 p.m.
- Comment giving condolences to all for the passing of Mr. Mains.
- Questions and concerns about the process for Superintendent search.
- Comment about the decrease in students and how families will consider leaving if mandates continue.
Upcoming Board Meetings, Events / Old, New Business / Updates
Upcoming board meetings and events will be announced at the Tuesday evening meetings:
The start time for the regular sessions of our board meetings is 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Regular Board Meetings:
- Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 7:00 p.m. at Pine Bush High School
- Tuesday, February 15, 2022, 7:00 p.m. at Circleville Middle School
Other Important Dates
- OCSBA Delegates Meeting
February 2, 2022 at 7:00 pm
Meeting details will follow
Old, New Business / Updates
- President Meier shared that the Superintendent search has begun and a press release will be going out shortly.
- Trustee Robertson informed that Pine Bush All Night Graduation fundraiser Paint and Social at Baldwin Vineyards is Friday, January 21, 2022. She also indicated that Bushmen Bingo will be coming in March and that all fundraisers support the seniors.
- Additional President Meier spoke about the memorial for Mr. Mains and that we will be moving it so we don’t have to deal with inclement weather and details will be shared with the community as soon as they are available.
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 #V039 Transactions created from voided checks
- General and General Fund $ 2,672.58
Total $ 2,672.58
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0041 dated 12/23/2021 payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,074,520.96
- PR Transactions (14 checks 004462-004475) $ 1,074,520.96
Total $ 1,074,520.96
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #V041 Transactions created from Voided Checks
- PR Transactions $ -7,423.89
Total $ -7,423.89
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0042 dated 12/23/2021 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 2,110,635.55
- Cafeteria Fund (6 checks 005790-005795) $ 48,833.63
- Crispell SAF. (1 check 002361) 126.35
- HS Activity Fund (1 check 004396) 32.37
- CVMS Activity Fund (1 check 001672) 149.93
- Federal Fund Acct (4 checks 002675-002678) 23008.80
- Capital Fund (10 checks 001937-001946) 1,008,883.59
- General Fund (52 checks 070877-070928) 1,029,600.88
Total $ 2,110,635.55
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0043 dated 1/6/2022 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 2,335,937.72
- Cafeteria Fund (1 check 005796) $ 42.32
- HS Activity Fund (4 checks 004397-004400) 4,202.35
- PR Transactions (1 check 004476) 7,471.28
- Federal Fund Acct (9 checks 002679-002687) 369,250.11
- General Fund (82 checks 070929-071010) 1,948,755.38
- Custodial Acct. (2 check 005764-005765) 6,216.28
Total $ 2,335,937.72
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Conveyance of Easement to Town of Crawford for Town Sidewalk Project
Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Town of Crawford (“Town”) is seeking to acquire a permanent easement of 10,676 ± square feet property owned by the Pine Bush Central School District (“District”) located at 118 State Route 302, depicted on Map 01, parcel 1 on Exhibit “A”, attached hereto (“Easement”) in furtherance of its project for the construction, reconstruction and maintenance of a sidewalk known as Project Route 302 Pedestrian Improvements, Pin 8870.46; and
WHEREAS, after an appraisal of the subject parcel, the District and the Town have agreed that the acquisition value of the Easement is $1,100.00; and
WHEREAS, the conveyance of a permanent easement for public utility services to municipal corporation is a routine activity of an educational institution pursuant to 6 NYCRR 617.5(c)(10), and therefore is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (“SEQRA);
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District does hereby: (a) determine that conveyance of the Easement described above is a Type II Action under SEQRA; (b) approve the conveyance of the Easement to the Town in exchange for the sum of $1,100.00, and (c) authorize the Superintendent of Schools to execute all documents in furtherance of this resolution.
Date: January 18, 2022
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of SCAR Assessment Reduction Decisions
Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve 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
- David Olsen 2021-2022 12-1-25.21 $138,300 $105,400 $1,926.66
5621 Searsville Rd. Pine Bush, NY
Town of Wallkill
- James Fitzpatrick 2021-2022 6-1-5.12 $58,000 $54,900 $354.31
20 Howells Tpke. Middletown, NY - Daniel Nelson 2021-2022 28-6-5 $61,800 $60,500 $148.58
Marie Nelson 6 Wayne Ct. Middletown, NY - Roger Reagan III 2021-2022 36-1-63.1 $59,500 $57,600 $217.16
483 Ingrassia Road Middletown, NY - Clara Wilson 2021-2022 36-1-94 $75,800 $73,400 $274.30
302 Bowser Rd. Middletown, NY
Total Refund $2,921.01
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Authorization / Withdrawal from Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education authorized 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
Harvest Inn Hotel, LLC 2020-2021 8-2-99 $804,200 $649,905 $9,496.56
95 Boniface Rd. Pine Bush, NY
Harvest Inn Hotel, LLC 2021-2022 8-2-99 $804,200 $649,905 $9,035.68
95 Boniface Rd. Pine Bush, NY
Total Refund $18,532.24
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of Change Orders for 2019 Capital Improvement Project (Phase II)
Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approved the following change orders for the 2019 Capital Improvement Project- Phase II CPL and the Pike Company, the District’s Architect and Construction Manager for the above project, recommend the Board of Education to approve the following Change Orders. All to be financed
through the Construction Contingency.
Description Contractor Increase Cost
Pakanasink Elementary School SED No: 44-04-01-06-0-012-0015
- Painting of Bathroom Heater Covers General $ 2,813.23
Building Total $ 2,813.23
Circleville Middle School SED No: 44-04-01-06-0-014-015
- Credit for Boiler Room Taps HVAC $ (6,618.92)
- Isolation Valves Plumbing $ 3,355.44
- Shut-Off Valve Replacements Plumbing $ 4,074.61
- Locker Room & Faculty Bathroom Carrier Replacement Plumbing $ 4,788.01
- Credit for Parking Lot Striping (will be finished in the Spring) Site $ (1,000.00)
Building Total $ 4,599.14
Total Change Orders covered by Construction Contingency $ 7,412.37
YES – 4 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Consideration of Executive Session
Hearing no matters for executive session, President Meier asked for a motion to adjourn.
Adjourn from Regular Session
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education adjourn from regular session at approximately 7:30 PM.
YES – 4 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).