Minutes Regular Board Meeting – February 23, 2021
Location: Pine Bush High School
Consideration of Executive Session –Contract Negotiations 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 to be Posted to Website with Closed Caption.
Members Present:
- Gretchen Meier, President
- Cara Robertson, Vice President (via Google meet)
- Kristin Graessle (via Google meet)
- Dori Johnson (via Google meet)
- Ross Tompkins
- Matthew Watkins
Members Absent:
- Kristi Kheiralla
Others Present:
- Tim Mains, 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 (via Google meet)
- John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
- Maria Wise, District Clerk
- Approximately 30 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 Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:31 PM
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn to Executive Session
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Watkins , that the Board of Education adjourn regular session to executive session for a discussion regarding contract negotiations at approximately 6:32 PM.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn Executive Session and Return to Regular Session
MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education adjourn executive session to regular session at approximately 7:01 PM.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
BOE Resumes Regular/Public Session
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education resume the regular meeting/public session at approximately 7:04 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. 7:05 PM.
Approval of Minutes
MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the February 9, 2021 regular board meeting as submitted by the District Clerk.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools
Acknowledge and Acceptance of “Fall 2” Sports Teams
MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution :
WHEREAS, the District recognizes the value of allowing students to participate in District sponsored athletics, with the understanding that allowing such participation does include risks of transmitting COVID 19; and
WHEREAS, effective March 1, 2021, and until otherwise indicated, student-athletes shall be permitted to participate in District sponsored Fall 2 season sports as set forth below, provided the District, parents and students comply with requirements set forth by the Orange County Department of Health; and
WHEREAS, the requirements set forth for the District, parents and students are set forth in the resolution adopted by the Board of Education on February 9, 2021, and shall be applicable for student participation in Fall 2 Season sports; and
WHEREAS, The Superintendent established safeguards to protect athletes, coaches, families and the community for the Fall 2 season which exceed State and County DOH guidance, and he may continue to establish additional safeguards and/or modify existing ones;
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 Fall 2 Season:
Sport Play Level Risk Level Grades allowed to Participate
- Cross Country Varsity Low Risk 9-12
- Football Varsity/JV Higher Risk 9-12
- Field Hockey Varsity/JV Moderate Risk 9-12
- Girls Tennis Varsity/JV Low/Moderate Risk *8-12
- Boys Soccer Varsity/JV Moderate Risk 9-12
- Girls Soccer Varsity/JV Moderate Risk 9-12
- Volleyball Varsity/JV Higher Risk 9-12
- Cheerleading Varsity/JV Higher Risk 9-12
- Girls Swimming & Diving Varsity Low/Moderate Risk *8-12
subject to compliance with the OC DOH guidance and other New York State and/or NYSPHSAA guidance.
*Only 8th graders who participated last year as 7th graders will be allowed.
There will be no APP process this season.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Roll Call:
- C. Robertson Yes
- M. Watkins Yes
- D. Johnson Yes
- R. Tompkins Yes
- K. Graessle Yes
- G. Meier Yes
Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools
Consent Agenda
MOVED by Trustee Graessle, 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 new personnel:
- Taylor Foley – Teacher
- Rebecca Santopietro – Physical Therapy Assistant
- Jane Heilweil – Typist
Resignations
Instructional
- Dawn Wright, resignation from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher-Reading, effective at the close of business February 23, 2021.
Non-Instructional
- Cameron Hadden, resignation from his position as 3.25 hours/day Food Service Helper, effective at the close of business February 9, 2021.
- Nicholas Gesualdo, resignation from his position as a 3.5 hours/day School Monitor effective at the close of business February 26, 2021.
Leave of Absence
Instructional
- Sara Healy, extend an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher – Elementary 4-6 effective March 2, 2021 through June 25, 2021.
- Cynthia Coleman, extend an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher – Elementary 4-6 effective February 27, 2021 through June 30, 2021.
- Arlene Cooper, extend an unpaid leave of absence from her positions as a 6 hour Teaching Assistant effective February 22, 2021 through March 5, 2021.
Appointments
Instructional
- Taylor Foley, who holds an Initial certificate in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6, to 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 March 1, 2021 and ending February 28, 2025. Salary level MA, Step 1 of the salary schedule (pro-rated). 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 Foley 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.
Board approved the following staff to be reinstated to the Teaching Assistant positions, based on their seniority, through the following appointments, effective on February 10, 2021.
- Denise Crisafulli 6.0 hours/day
- Joyce Dooner 6.0 hours/day
- Angela Kruger 6.0 hours/day
- Theresa Valastro 6.0 hours/day
- Tamara Andre 6.0 hours/day
- Melissa Algarin 6.0 hours/day
Non-Instructional
- Rebecca Santopietro, who holds a Registration Certificate as Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, be appointed to the probationary position as a part-time 10-month, 0.4 FTE Physical Therapy Assistant, effective March 1, 2021, at an hourly rate of $42/hour, as per contract (pro-rated), noting she is certified for such appointment through the Orange County Department of Human Resources.
- Jane Heilweil*, probationary appointment as a full time 12-month Typist, effective February 24, 2021, at an annual salary as per contract (pro-rated), noting she is certified for such appointment through the Orange County
Department of Human Resources.
*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 24, 2021 and shall not exceed twenty (20)
business days.
Per Diem Substitutes
Board approved the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes effective February 24, 2021 (or as noted) at board approved per diem substitute rates:
- Krysten Beeton (February 22, 2021)
- Jaclyn Krauss
- Rebecca Mills (February 22, 2021)
Interscholastic
Board approved the following Interscholastic Fall 2 Season coaching appointments for the 2020-2021 school year at the appropriate interscholastic stipend:
Cross Country:
- Al Schmidt, Varsity Boys Coach @ Level I, Step 10 (36)
- Gerald Risco, Varsity Girls Coach @ Level I, Step 10 (23)
Football:
- James Wright Jr., Varsity Head Coach @ Level I, Step 10 (25)
- Thomas Lamendola, Varsity Assistant @ Level II, Step 5 (6)
- Casey Grey, Varsity Assistant @ Level II, Step 5 (6)
- William Lacovara, Varsity Assistant @ Level II, Step 10 (40)
- Matthew Boffalo, Junior Varsity Football @ Level II, Step 5 (6)
- Andrew Garigliano, Junior Varsity Football @ Level II, Step I (1)
- David DeGroodt, Volunteer Coach **
Field Hockey:
- Lisa Sorrentino, Varsity Coach @ Level I, Step 10 (34)
- Caitlin Murphy, Junior Varsity Coach @ Level II, Step 1 (1)
- Denise Crisafulli, Volunteer Coach**
- Carol Jean Bull-Knuth, Volunteer Coach**
Tennis:
- Michael Sabini, Varsity Coach @ Level I, Step 7(8)
- Lisa Carillo, Junior Varsity Coach @ Level II, Step 10 (16)
Boys Soccer:
- Marc Gittleman, Varsity Coach @ Level I, Step 3 (3)
- Patrick Reiser, Varsity Assistant @Level II, Step 1 (2)
- Mark Brennan, Junior Varsity Coach @ Level II, Step 7 (7)
Girls Soccer:
- Dan Conley, Varsity Coach @ Level I, Step 10 (18)
- Candice Carillo, Varsity Assistant @ Level II, Step 10 (17)
- Clark Najac, Junior Varsity Coach @ Level II, Step 10 (24)
Volleyball:
- Melyssa Kempner Amelio, Varsity Coach @Level I, Step 10 (11)
- Megan Collins, Junior Varsity Coach @ Level II, Step 1 (1) **
- Brooke Armida, Volunteer Coach
Swim/Dive:
- John Barth, Varsity Coach @ Level I, Step 10 (18)
- Kathy Gallagher, Varsity Assistant @ Level II, Step 10 (31)
- Michael Reineke, Varsity Assistant @ Level II, Step 3 (4)
Cheerleading:
- Angela Liska, Varsity Coach @ Level I, Step 3 (3)
** Pending completion of coaching requirements
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
CSE and CPSE Placement Recommendation
MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Robertson, 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 Kheiralla.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Budget Work Session Segment for 2021-2022
Budget Presentations:
PROGRAM – Instruction
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Amy Brockner presented a PowerPoint pertaining to the 2021-2022 Instructional Budget. Some of the highlights of the presentation reviewed included the following:
The Instructional Budget Covers:
- Grades Pre-K to 12 Instruction
- Special Education Services
- Support Programs
- Library Programs
- Textbooks, Supplies & Materials
- Professional Development
- Summer School at All Levels
- Alternative Education Programs
The presentation proceeded with a review of the actual costs for BOCES Programs for 2018-2019, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021; Quality Universal Pre-K Program with estimated District Contribution (2021-2022); Quality Summer
School Programs showing summer of 2018, 2019 and 2020 and the Proposed Summer Program for 2021.
The presentation continued with a review of Instructional Staff by Building, Class Size Impact, Other Considerations-Federal Funding, Initiatives Typically Funded through Title I II, III and Title IV Funds.
The following changes and recommendations were presented:
Special Programs Staffing Change
- Reduce 1.0 Physical Therapy Assistant to 0.4 Physical Therapy Assistant
- Add 1.0 Assistive Technology Specialist
Total: 44,567
Building Level Recommendations:
Add 2.0 Foreign Language Spanish Teachers – 1 per middle school for Grade 7 students. ($203,860)
Technology and supply needs for “new” science classrooms. (20,000)
Total Cost: $223,860
District Recommendations:
- Hiring a Permanent Substitute for Each Building
- Programs to Assist in Identifying Students’ Present Levels of Performance (Cost unknown at this time)
- Expand use of Renaissance Learning to Grades 9-12. Meeting set for this week.
- Meeting with Cognia set for next week
- EdLeader 21 – Mr. Mains reaching out to set up a meeting with this group.
In conclusion, Mrs. Brockner stated “We remain committed to building a budget that educates the whole child.”
Mrs. Brockner was thanked for her presentation.
Legislative Priorities
Superintendent Tim Mains presented a Power Point on the topic of Legislative Priorities. Superintendent Mains began by stating that Legislative Liaison Dori Johnson assisted in preparing the presentation. Some of the highlights
reviewed during the presentation included the following:
Basic Information regarding Pine Bush Central School District was highlighted.
- 7 schools (4 ES, 2 MS, 1 HS)
- 5,000 students; 800 employees
- 75 miles north of NYC
- 20 miles west of Hudson River
- 94% Graduation rate
- Honored by US News & World Report*
- 46% free or reduced-price lunch
- $122 million total budget for 2020-21
*Four years in a row
State Still Not Providing Enough
- State aid covers less than half of our budget
- Still $11.5 mill. away from full Foundation Aid*
- Wary of 2nd attempt to consolidate expense-based aids and new links between STAR and school aid
*Foundation Aid remains frozen at 2019-2020 levels
Fix Funding for the Long Haul
- Block consolidation of expense-based aid lines
- Disconnect STAR relief from aid to Schools
- Reform the Tax Cap (especially since state aid remains low)
- Prohibit negative tax caps
- Make allowable growth minimum of 2%
- Include PILOTS* in tax base growth factors
- Include enrollment growth in tax cap calculations
- Align tax cap override process with other local govts.
- Create path to full Foundation Aid funding
*Payments In Lieu of Taxes - Increase Fund Balance & Reserve Fund Flexibility
- Raise 4% limit for Undesignated Fund Balance*
- Allow greater flexibility for restricted reserve funds
- Help us Control Cost Drivers
- Reform Triborough
- Reform Wicks Law
- Reverse state shift of Sp.Ed. Costs to districts
- Reverse burden of proof requirements for Sp.Ed. hearings and lawsuits**
- Decrease other unfunded mandates
*Other local govts. don’t have a cap, and the GFOA recommends two months’ worth of reserves (which for us would be about 15%)
** Special Education costs have risen much faster than other school expenses, and much of that has been driven by legal costs
Focus on Student Learning
- Expand broadband access throughout the state
- Fund health and mental health services
- Allow schools to expand the instructional year
- Increase Pre-K funding
- Allow virtual instructional options permanently
- Provide funds to address learning losses due to the pandemic
Remember:
- Education costs are not an expense; they are an investment.
- Please continue to invest in the children who will become our leaders, inventors, and care givers.
Both Superintendent Mains and Trustee Johnson were thanked for this presentation.
Approval of New Policy 5633 for First Reading
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education approve new Policy 5633, Gender Neutral Single-Occupancy Bathrooms for first reading.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Public Participation
The first public participation segment was opened at approx. 8:00 PM by President Meier. There were no questions/comments/concerns raised and/or received before 5 PM and for complete conversation of this public
participation refer to the online video at www.pinebushschools.org (watch board meetings).
President Meier read a statement regarding the district working to provide the best audio quality possible for the livestream of the Board of Education meetings under the current circumstances where some participants are
participating online via Google Meet. In addition to livestream, the district also records meetings and the recordings will be available on the district website the following morning.
Upcoming Board Meetings, Events / Old, New Business / Updates
Upcoming board meetings and events to 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, 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
- Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM Circleville Middle School
Other Important Dates
Prospective School Board Member Workshop
- Saturday, March 20, 2021, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM via Zoom
- Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 7:00PM – 9:00PM via Zoom
Register via email to Karyn Meier, OCSBA at karyn.meier@ocsba.com forms available on the back table or 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
Scheduled In-person with attendees being socially distanced and masks are required. Informational form is on the back table. Maria Wise will register any new board members who plan to attend; there will also be options through NYSSBA. (No information on a virtual option at this time, will keep you informed)
Other Events:
School Board Member Petition Packets –Available first week in March at District Office. Petition return date to the District Clerk is (no later than) Monday, April 19, 2021 at 5:00 PM.
- Orange-Ulster BOCES Virtual Budget Presentation
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 – 7:00 PM
RSVP to Maria Wise or Jayna McAteer no later than March 29th, if you would like to attend.
(Note: BOCES Reps will present their budget to Pine Bush CSD at our March 23, 2021 )
Old/New Business/Updates
Superintendent Mains spoke about information that came out in reference to the United States government being likely to deny the State of New York’s request to waive testing this year. A discussion ensued on the topic.
A second item discussed was the calendar for the upcoming school year.
Lastly, Trustee Watkins made a comment about the administration and how they are dealing with constant changes.
Orange-Ulster BOCES Board Candidates – Consideration of Nomination
This year, two Orange-Ulster BOCES board members terms expire. To date, we have received, per Orange Ulster BOCES, two letters of interest to fill these two open seats. If Pine Bush would like to nominate anyone as a candidate for the Orange-Ulster Cooperative Board, a motion must be called and voted upon. Nominations of candidates must be submitted to OU BOCES no later than March 23, 2021. The following individuals have submitted letters:
- Eugenia”Jean” Pavek / Minisink Valley Central SD
- Michael Bello / Port Jervis City SD
Both Eugenia “Jean” Pavek and Michael Bello are running for re-election (Letters Included in Pkt.)
Business & Finance
Claim Auditor’s Reports
MOVED by Trustee Watkins, 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 # 0047 dated 1/26/2021 payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,112,995.75
- Trust & Agency Acct. (13 checks 004289-004301) $ 1,112,995.75
Total $ 1,112,995.75
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0048 dated 1/29/2021 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,068,935.55
- Cafeteria Fund (5 checks 005506-005510) $ 30,706.18
- General Fund (41 checks 066520-066560) 1,036,104.37
- District Activity AC (1 check 005692) 2,125.00
Total $ 1,068,935.55
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0049 dated 2/5/2021 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 200,772.49
- Cafeteria Fund (1 check 005511 $ 43.01
- Trust & Agency Acct. (0 checks) 15,089.96
- CVMS Activity Fund (1 check 001668) 513.50
- General Fund (34 checks 066561-066594) 185,046.02
- District Activity AC (1 check 005693) 80.00
Total $ 200,772.49
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0050 dated 2/10/2021 payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $ 831,361.12
- Trust & Agency Acct. (5 checks 004302-004306) $ 831,361.12
Total $ 831,361.12
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0051 dated 2/12/2021 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 431,624.72
- Cafeteria Fund (19 checks 005512-005530) $ 100,777.07
- Federal Fund Account (1 check 002562) 1500.00
- General Fund (67 checks 066595-066661) 329,347.65
Total $ 431,624.72
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
District Treasurer’s Reports
MOVED by Trustee Robertson second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the following District Treasurer’s Reports for the period January 1, 2021 through January 31, 2021.
General Fund Reports:
- Monthly Treasurer’s Reports
- 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
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Tompkins, 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 Wallkill
Name School Year S-B-L Old Assessment New Assessment Refund Amt
David Terracino 2020-2021 36-3-3 $73,800 $68,247 $667.04
357 Bowser Rd, Middletown, NY
Town of Mamakating
Erin Goldberg 2020-2021 68.-1-77.1 $185,000 $139,897 $1652.87
623 Winterton Rd, Bloomingburg, NY
Total Refund $2319.91
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education authorize and approve the Terms & Conditions of Employment between the Pine Bush Central School District and Rebecca Santopietro, Physical Therapy Assistant, noting the agreement covers the period from March 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Public Participation
The second public participation segment was opened at approx. 8:16 PM by President Meier. There were no questions/comments/concerns raised and for complete conversation of this public participation refer to the online video at www.pinebushschools.org (watch board meetings).
Consideration of Executive Session
Adjournment
Moved by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting noting the time at approximately 8:18 PM.
YES – 6 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).