Minutes Regular Board Meeting – December 8, 2020
Location: Pine Bush High School
Consideration of Executive Session –Particular Vendor/Attorney-Client Privilege 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
- 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 15 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 Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:33 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 vendor and attorney-client privilege, noting the time at approx. 6:34 PM.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn Executive Session and Return to Regular Session
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education adjourn executive session to regular session at approximately 7:05 PM.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
BOE Resumes Regular/Public Session
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education resume the regular meeting/public session at approximately 7:06 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. 7:06 PM.
Approval of Minutes
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the November 24, 2020 regular meeting and the November 19, 2020 special meeting/executive session as submitted by the District Clerk.
YES –6 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 revised* Consent Agenda as submitted by the Acting Superintendent of Schools:
Resignations
Instructional
- Jane Moore, resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from her position as a 1.00 FTE Teacher-Elementary, effective at the close of business on January 1, 2021.
- Jacqueline Endreson, resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from her position as a 6 hours/day Teaching Assistant, effective at the close of business on January 1, 2021.
Leave of Absence
Administrative*
Board of Education approval of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District approves an additional leave of absence for Tim O. Mains, Superintendent of Schools, for a period commencing January 1, 2021 and ending not later than January 26, 2021.
Non-Instructional
- Lori Korin, request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 5.5 hours/day School Monitor effective December 3, 2020 through January 4, 2021.
Appointments
Administrative*
Board approval of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District extends the appointment of Donna Geidel as Acting Superintendent at the rate of $950.00 per day effective January 1, 2021 until the Superintendent’s return from his leave of absence, but not later than January 26, 2021.
Non-Instructional
- Maria Wise, who holds the civil service competitive title of “School Secretary” shall assume the internal responsibilities of “District Clerk” effective January 31, 2021. Annual salary for the 2020-2021 school year shall be increased to $77,000 (pro-rated) to account for additional hours and responsibilities, all other terms and conditions of employment shall be governed by the Terms and Conditions of Employment for confidential employees.
Per Diem Substitutes
Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes effective December 11, 2020 at board approved per diem substitute rates or as indicated:
- David Carroll
- Deborah June (at $25/per hour)
- Bryan Spizuco
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
(Words of congratulations were offered to Jane Moore in her retirement and Maria Wise in her new district assignment at Central Office).
CSE and CPSE Placement Recommendation
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, 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 Meier.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Appointment of Officer for the 2020-2021 School Year – Amended
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education amend the following district officer as follows: Maria Wise be appointed as District Clerk for the 2020-2021 school year as required by 2130-1 Education Law, with Jayna McAteer as the Deputy District Clerk, effective January 31, 2021
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Appointment of District Official for 2020-2021 School Year – Amended
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education amend the following appointment of a District Official for the 2020- 2021 school year pursuant to Public Officers Law, Section 65-a and 87 (b) (iii), that Maria Wise be designated as the Records Retention and Disposition Officer & be designated the Records Access Officer, effective January 31, 2021.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Public Participation
The first public participation segment was open at approx.7:16 p.m. requesting no personal references. The following questions/comments/concerns raised:
- Resident offered comments regarding our schools not being opened and further comments pertaining to the Acting Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, as well as requesting that all schools reopen. Mrs. Geidel responded to these comments and offered to set a meeting for further discussion with this individual and district office administration.
Approval of New Policy 3421 for Secondary Reading and Adoption
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve new Policy 3421, Title IX and Sex Discrimination, for second reading and adoption.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Roll Call:
- C. Robertson Yes
- K. Graessle Yes
- D. Johnson Yes
- K. Kheiralla Yes
- R. Tompkins Yes
- G. Meier Yes
Designation / Disposition of Library Books
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education designate and approve the disposition of the following books:
Library books as submitted at the recommendation of Lauren Conklin, E.J. Russell Library Media Specialist and submitted by Elizabeth Sproul, 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 SEDCAR Contracts
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, 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 2020-2021 school year (2021-2022 grant year) and authorize the Acting Superintendent of Schools to sign the contracts on behalf of the district:
- Abilities First. Inc.
- Anderson Center for Autism
- The Arc Sullivan-Orange Counties
- The Arc Sullivan-Orange Counties
- Center for Discovery, Inc.
- Center for Spectrum Services
- The Devereux Foundation
- Field of Dreams
- Green Chimney’s
- Jawanio, Inc.
- Learning Together, Inc.
- Liberty POST
- Mid Island Therapy Associates, LLC DBA All About Kids
- New York School for the Deaf
- Rising Ground, Inc.
- Summit School
- United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County DBA Inspire Kids
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Acknowledge and Acceptance of MOA (Extension) with the School Related Professional Association (PBSRPA)
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education approve 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 (extending the terms of the October 13, 2020 MOA) between the District and the School Related Professionals Association (“PBSRPA” ) dated December 7, 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: December 8, 2020
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
BOE Approval of Resolution – Tolling Agreement
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School approve entering into a tolling agreement with the parent of student no. 120820, and authorize the signature of such agreement by the Board President, as recommended by the school attorneys.
Date: December 8, 2020
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
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 12, 2021, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush HS School
- Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School
Important Locations for February Regular Board Meetings (reversed):
- Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School
- Tuesday, February 23, 2021, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush High School
Updates:
*Letter from Commissioner of Health posted to Pine Bush CSD district website/a lot of important information;
*Board member commented regarding the earlier email read in public participation stating she fully supports our administration and suggested viewing the NYSSED website and the State and Local Government websites.
Business & Finance
Claim Auditor’s Reports
MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the following Claims Auditor’s Reports as submitted:
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0032 dated 11/20/2020 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 729,517.97
- Cafeteria Fund (15 checks 005451-005465) $ 97,327.93
- HS Activity Fund (1 check 004323) $ 799.95
- Capital Fund (1 check 001849) $ 162,147.10
- General Fund (64 checks 065676-065739) $ 469,002.99
- District Activity AC (1 check 005683) $ 240.00
Total $ 729,517.97
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0033 dated 11/25/2020 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,093,996.95
- Trust & Agency Acct. (14 checks 004247-004260) $ 1,093,996.95
Total $ 1,093,996.95
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0034 dated 11/24/2020 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 2,215,215.63
- Cafeteria Fund (3 checks 005466-005468) $ 128.35
- Federal Fund (2 checks 002558-002559) $ 43,871.96
- General Fund (35 checks 065740-065774) $ 2,170,931.40
- District Activity AC (1 check 005684) $ 283.92
Total $ 2,215,215.63
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0035 dated 12/4/2020 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 260,450.28
- Cafeteria Fund (5 checks 005469-005473) $ 433.97
- HS Activity Fund (5 checks 004324-004328) $ 2,040.00
- Trust & Agency (0 checks) $ 31,500.00
- Federal Fund (1 checks 002560) $ 8,445.00
- General Fund (56 check 065775-065830) $ 218,031.31
Total $ 260,450.28
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of SCAR Assessment Reduction Decisions
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education approve the following property tax refund based upon Small Claim Assessment Review (SCAR) decision authorizing reduction of the assessment:
Town of Crawford
Name School Year S-B-L Old Assessment New Assessment Refund Amt
- Tina Snyder 2020-2021 11-1-80 $136,000 $130,000 $ 369.29
190 Van Keuren Ave. Pine Bush, NY
- Danny Araujo 2020-2021 12-1-41 $185,100 $160,000 $1,544.86
162 Comfort Trl Montgomery, NY
- Arthur Rubino 2020-2021 20-2-4 $160,000 $154,600 $ 332.36
91 DeJong Ct. Montgomery, NY
Town of Wallkill
Marianna Zarella 2020-2021 44-1-89 $74,000 $72,000 $ 240.25
26 Heather Ct. Middletown, NY
- Cesar A. Morales 2020-2021 102-3-1 $50,400 $46,800 $ 432.44
1 Sharon Dr. Middletown, NY
- O. Omosebi 2020-2021 110-1-10 $71,800 $70,200 $ 192.20
24 Hasbrouck Heights LN Middletown, NY
Town of Mamakating
James Nigro 2020-2021 23.-1-27.22 $127,700 $120,000 $ 282.46
359 Nashopa Rd. Bloomingburg, NY
- John Madsen 2020-2021 23.B-2-4 $123,800 115,000 $ 322.49
20 Patrick Dr. Bloomingburg, NY
Total Refund $3,716.35
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Public Participation
The second public participation segment was open at approx.7:32 p.m. requesting no personal references. The following questions/comments/concerns raised:
Resident requested clarity regarding a health services contract from previous meeting noting a typographical error and confirmed the contract was pertaining to Valley Central School District not Kingston School District.
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 Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting noting the time at approximately 7:34 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).