Pine Bush CSD- Board of Education
Minutes Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at Pine Bush High School
DRAFT
Members Present:
Gretchen Meier, President
Matthew Watkins
Dori Johnson
Kristi Kheiralla
Cara Robertson (via google meet)
Ross Tompkins
Members Absent:
Matthew Watkins left after executive session
Others Present:
Donna Geidel, Interim 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 Kheiralla , second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education open the
regular meeting at approximately 6:02 PM
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn Regular Session to Executive Session
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education adjourn regular
session to executive session at approximately 6:02 PM.
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn from Executive Session
MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education adjourn from
executive session at approximately 7:02 PM. .
YES – 6 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 Kheiralla, that the Board of Education open the regular
meeting at approximately 7:11 PM. Noting Trustee Watkins left after executive session.
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence
Board President Meier requested that all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the minutes
from the January 18, 2022 meeting as submitted by the District Clerk.
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
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Reports, Recommendations of the Interim Superintendent of Schools
Consent Agenda
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Robertson, 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 personnel:
Crystal Norton – Teaching Assistant , Svea Cook – School Secretary
Resignations
Instructional
Jamie Almeida, resignation from her position as a 5.25 hours/day Teaching Assistant, effective at the close
of business on January 27, 2022.
Maria Weissman, resignation, for the purpose retirement, from her position as a 6.0 hours/day Teaching
Assistant, effective at the close of business on February 1, 2022.
Patricia Campbell, resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from her position as a 6.0 hours/day Teaching
Assistant, effective at the close of business on February 1, 2022.
Non Instructional
Tami Kretschmer, resignation from her position as a 6.5 hours/day Teacher Aide, effective at the close of
business January 18, 2022.
Veronica Birmingham, AMEND the resignation from her position as a 3.5 hours/day School Monitor to be
effective at the close of business January 14, 2022.
Crystal Norton, resignation from her position as a 6.5 hours/day Teacher Aide, effective at the close of
business February 1, 2022.
Leave of Absence
Administrative
Katie Hennessey, unpaid leave of absence from her position as Assistant Director of Special Programs,
effective November 8, 2021 through January 25, 2022.
Instructional
Kathleen Murray, an unpaid leave of absence from her position as 1.0 FTE Teacher- Pre K, effective
February 28, 2022 through April 5, 2022.
Appointments
Instructional
AMEND the appointment of Veronica Birmingham, who holds a Teaching Assistant Level I certificate, on
probation to a part-time, non-tenure bearing, 6.0 Hour/Day Teaching Assistant, effective January 18, 2022,
salary as per contract (pro-rated).
Crystal Norton, who holds a Teaching Assistant Level III certificate, be appointed on probation as a part-
time, non-tenure bearing, 6.5 Hour/Day Teaching Assistant, effective February 2, 2022, salary as per contract
(pro-rated).
Non Instructional
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Svea Cook, probationary appointment as a full time 12 month School Secretary, effective February 22, 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.
Co-Curricular
Pine Bush High School
Board approval to AMEND the following instructional staff members for the 2021-2022 school year as
follows:
Introduction to Occupations Class
RESCIND Kathleen Bisaillon
AMEND Christine Guarino and Stephanie Singleton to .5 sixth period assignment at ½ annual
contractual stipend of $5500 pro- rated effective January 18, 2022
Circleville Middle School
Board approval to amend the following co-curricular appointment for the 2021-2022 school year as follows:
Mark Wolf , Grade 7 Team Leader, Level II, Step 1 (1) through the end of business on January 21, 2022
Nicole Bobby, Grade 7 Team Leader, Level II, Step 1 (1) effective January 24, 2022
Per Diem Substitutes
Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes (or tutors) effective
February 2, 2021 (or as noted) at board approved per diem substitute rates:
Alexandra Cuebas 1/21/22
Madeline Hommel 1/19/22
Cody Monaco
Lukas Pennell
Maria Weissman
Andrea Graham
James Moissett
Crystal Hock
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:
Marisol Burgos
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of CSE & CPSE Placement Recommendations
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, 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
Johnson.
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of Overnight Field Trip
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that The Board of Education approve the
overnight trip request submitted by music teacher Ralph Wagner and acknowledged by Principal Aaron
Hopmayer, on behalf of two students accepted to the New York State Band Director’s Association Honors
Concert Band. Students for this ensemble are selected throughout New York and only the top musicians in the
state are selected for this honor. The conference will take place from March 3, 2022 through March 6, 2022.
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Students will be transported to the conference and home after the final concert by their parents. The parents
are staying at the conference and Ralph Wagner will be the chaperone. All students are required to be
vaccinated against Covid. The cost of the conference is $300 per student. The cost includes all housing, meals
and fees and was reduced to $150 per family through a scholarship from the Music Guild. This will be the
second time this year that the district will have musician representatives at the state level.
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of Policy 6215, Policy 6411, and Policy 6550 for First Reading
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the below
listed policies for first reading:
Policy 6215: Probation and Tenure
Policy 6411: Use of Email in the District
Policy 6550: Leaves of Absence
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
BOE Approval of the 2022-2023 School District Calendar for Adoption
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the 2022-
2023 calendar adoption as submitted by the Interim Superintendent of Schools.
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of Budget Calendar Revision
Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the revised
Budget Calendar. Noting the heading on the Budget calendar will be revised to 2021-2022 Budget Calendar
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Public Comment
President Meier asked for a motion to approve her reading a statement regarding mask mandate litigation that
may help answer questions before they arise.
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins that President Meier read a statement
regarding the Mask Mandate Litigation.
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
The public comment segment was opened at approx. 7:25p.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
approximately at 7:40 p.m.
Comments regarding students constitutional rights with regard to mask mandate
Comment that parents should have the choice regarding their children
Comment regarding athletes playing sports with masks on
Comments about more children being hospitalized from flu than Covid in recent years
Concerns about CDC information regarding vaccines
Comment in support of wearing masks in school
Concerns and questions about understanding everything in regard to mask mandate
Comment in appreciation of the Board allowing the public comment
Comment/concerns regarding having choice regarding mandate
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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 15, 2022, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School
Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush High School
Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle 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
IN PERSON
Saturday, March 19, 2022, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
OU-Boces 53 Gibson Road, Goshen
Carl Onken Conference Center
OR
VIRTUAL
Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 7:00PM – 9:00PM
To register email Karyn Meier at Orange County School Boards Association (OCSBA)
at karyn.meier@ocsba.com
RSVP by Wednesday, March 6, 2022
Flyers are available on the table in the back or by contacting Maria Wise.
OCSBA Announcement:
Mandated Training for New School Board Members in School District Governance
Offered in two parts
Part 1 –Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at 5: 30 PM, Part 2 –Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 5:30 PM
Maria Wise will register any new board members who plan to attend; there will also be options
through New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA).
Old/New Business/Updates
President Meier shared with the public how the superintendent search forums were organized and
played out. She stated that the forums took place Wednesday, January 26, 2022 and the search team
from OU Boces met with students, faculty and staff and the community. They put together a flyer,
Pine Bush Forums at a Glance and this will be available on the website for all to view. President
Meier read off what the students, faculty and staff and community members are looking for in the
new superintendent. One of the board members who attending most of the forums felt that
communication was the strongest thread. The Board feels strongly about the input of the students,
staff and community. She proceeded to thank everyone who was able to participate in the forums.
Additionally, there is a survey on the district website that asks for answers to questions regarding the
superintendent search.
Interim Superintendent Donna Geidel added that the forums held were a positive experience
with over 100 people participating. The process was exciting and uplifting.
President Meier in closing stated that the forums gave people an opportunity to process what we lost
and an opportunity to look forward to the future.
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Trustee Robertson shared that Bushmen Bingo will be held on March 24 th with tickets available at
Pineapple Day Spa, Hearts and Flowers or by reaching out to her directly. Tickets are $40 and it will
be held at Kuhls Highland House this year. She asked for help in supporting the senior class of 2022.
Interim Superintendent Donna Geidel spoke about the district working closely with our attorneys so
we can get information out to the community. She also stated that she meets with other
superintendents regularly. Ms. Geidel stated that she wants the community to know that the district
will continue to make every effort to find out the correct information and listen to everyone.
Business & Finance
Claim Auditor’s Reports
Moved by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt
and acceptance of the following Claims Auditor’s Reports as submitted:
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0044 01/10/2022 Payroll authorizing payments in the
amount of $ 839,333.60
PR Transactions (5 checks 004477-00481) $
839,333.60
Total $ 839,333.60
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0045 1/14/2022 Check Run authorizing payments in
the amount of $ 1,019,733.89
Cafeteria Fund (5 checks 005797-005801) 25,854.19
HS Activity Fund (1 check 004401) 165.00
Federal Fund Acct (3 checks 002688-002690) 18,806.26
General Fund (81 checks 071011-071091) $
974,908.44
Total $ 1,019,733.89
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0046 1/21/2022 Check Run authorizing payments in
the amount of $ 295,096.33
Cafeteria Fund (1checks 005802)
988.80
HS Activity Fund (2 check 004402-004403) 556.83
Federal Fund Acct (6 checks 002691-002696) 22,488.88
General Fund (58 checks 071092-071149)
270,972.82
Custodial Fund (1 check 005766) $
89.00
Total $ 295,096.33
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
District Treasurer’s Reports
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education acknowledge
receipt and acceptance of the following District Treasurer’s Reports for the period December 1, 2021 through
December 31, 2021
■ General Fund Reports:
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Monthly Treasurer’s Reports / Transfers
Budget Status
■ Monthly Treasurer’s Reports / Budget Status for:
School Lunch Fund
Capital Fund
Federal Fund
■ Monthly Treasurer’s Reports for:
Trust & Agency Fund
District-wide Activity Fund
Student Activity Funds for: Pine Bush High School,
Circleville Middle School and Crispell Middle School
Expendable Trust Fund (Scholarships)
Academy of Finance
Human Services Academy
Debt Service
Cash Flow
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Consideration of Executive Session
Moved by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Johnson that the Board of Education enter executive
session for the purpose of personnel matters.
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn Executive Session
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Kheiralla that the Board of Education adjourn
executive session at approximately 8:16 PM.
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn from Regular Session
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn from
regular session at approximately 8:16 PM.
YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Note: BOARD MEETINGS are live streamed and video Maria Wise (electronically signed/mw)
recorded with closed captioning available and can be viewed Maria Wise, District Clerk Pine Bush CSD
at www.pinebushschools.org
(Disclosure: Minutes will be printed on
numbered minute paper and placed in the
district minute books).