Date: March 12, 2019

Pine Bush CSD Board of Education                                                                                                                             

REGULAR MEETING at Pine Bush High School

 

Members Present:

• Kristin Graessle               
• Dori Johnson
• Kristi Kheiralla                                                                                                                 
• Cara Robertson
• Ross Tompkins                                 

Members Absent:

• Lloyd Greer, President
• Gretchen Meier, Vice President

Others Present:                               

• Tim Mains, Superintendent of Schools                                                 
• Donna Geidel, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction                                              
• Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business                              
• Deborah June, District Clerk
• Approximately 81 residents/students/staff members

 

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Trustee Robertson with the following motion offered:

MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Tompkins that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:20 PM.

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Consideration of Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at approximately 6:20 PM regarding District Vendor Contract.

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn from executive session and return to public session at approximately 6:36 PM.

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED  

 

Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance

The Board of Education resumed the meeting in regular session noting the time at approx. 6:50 PM.

Trustee Robertson welcomed those in attendance and requested all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Student Recognition – Cast and Crew from Junie B. Jones, The Musical (Crispell Middle School Students)

The Board of Education recognized the cast and crew from the following middle school performance:

School: Crispell Middle School, Performance: Junie B. Jones, The Musical                                                   

Directors:

• Robin Evans/Keith Bishof/Ralph Wagner

Cast and Crew:

• Amanda Acevedo
• Caitin Acton
• Marissa Albano
• Anabella Almeida
• Julia Andersen
• Ephraim Anderson
• Kira Anderson
• Ashley Babcock
• Tyler Barchi
• James Barry
• Ashleigh Berentsen
• Tyler Bird
• Julia Bressler
• Henry Brown
• Paola Cabrera
• Kayanna Cauthen
• Mia Christie
• Dominick Ciarelli
• Morgan Colby
• Travis Coleman
• Makayla Colombo
• Ava Cruz
• Julianna DeLongis
• Lily Deckaj
• Blaze Devlin
• Zoe Devlin
• Chase Dodson
• Brieann Doolittle
• Molly Dowson
• Kailey Fobert
• Gavin Gardocki
• Grace Grant
• Rose Grant
• Laura Green
• Brooke Haas
• McKenzie Hallahan
• Simon Hicks
• Tehya Holley
• Claire Hornbeck
• Jacqueline Janke
• Emily Koch
• Suzie Kolmel
• Hailey Korpai
• Matthew Landolina
• Yehudit Laryea
• Olivia Lazio
• Angelica Lomangino
• Natalie Longobardo
• Alani Lopez
• Matthew Lopez
• Samantha Mance
• Colin McCabe
• Emma McCausland
• Elizabeth Metcalfe
• Isabel Molina
• Kendall Morris
• Taylor Moshinski
• Abigail Oliveras
• Alicia Pagan
• Heidi Pagan
• Jonna Pantale
• Autumn Parker
• Marleni Perez
• Thomas Pizzulli
• Arianna Reed
• Marlissa Reed
• Logan Rosa
• Jackson Rose
• Maureen Russell
• Christopher Rubino
• Grace Salsbury
• Helena Salvato
• Selvyn Scott
• Elizabeth Stephens
• Sullivan Toback
• Brian Tompkins
• Emma Welch
• Meaghan Wishinski
• Lydia Yelle
• Emma Zerbarini

At the conclusion of viewing a video of the performance, as well as hearing one of their songs (live), all students proceeded to be congratulated by the board members and administrators. They received a standing ovation.

Approval of Minutes

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the minutes

from the February 26, 2019 regular board meeting as submitted by the District Clerk, and requested that the

March 5, 2019 special board meeting minutes be revised and resubmitted at the next board meeting.

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools

Consent Agenda

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the following Consent Agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools:

Resignations

Instructional

Samantha Badillo, resignation of from her position as a 1.0 FTE Typist- 12 Month effective at the close of Business on March 14, 2019. 

Appointments

Instructional

Ryan Hassan, who holds an Initial certificate in Biology 7-12, and appointed to the position of a 1.0 FTE Permanent Substitute in the Science tenure area, amended appointment to reflect effective dates of March 07, 2019 through April 12, 2019.  Salary (pro-rated) Level MA, Step 2of the salary schedule.

Non-Instructional

Gjyljana Deckaj, an increase in hours to a 6.5 Hours/Day part time Food Service Helper (from 3.5 hours/day), effective March 13, 2019, salary as per contract (pro-rated).

Supervision       

Board approval of the following school personnel for supervision duties in connection with spring sporting events during the 2018-2019 school year, at a rate of $20/hour, as per contract:

• Denise Crisafulli

Per Diem Substitutes

Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes effective March 13, 2019 (or as noted) at board approved per diem substitute rates:

• Corinne LaForge
• Jon Miller

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

CSE and CPSE Placement Recommendation                                       

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, 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 nd CPSE Chairperson and reviewed by Trustee Graessle.

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Budget Work Session Segment for 2019-2020

Budget Presentations:

• Program- Transportation
• 2019-2020 Preliminary Budget Outline

 

Assistant Superintendent for Business Mike Pacella, along with Director of Transportation Kurt Wickham presented PowerPoints pertaining to the above listed areas for the 2019- 2020 school year.

 

PRESENTATION TRANSPORTATION 2019-2020:

Director of Transportation Kurt Wickham provided a presentation, noting some of the following highlights:

Review of the current transportation (2018-2019)—BOCES- 5 (no increase), Birnie Bus— transports General Ed., Summer School, Special Ed., total number trip 167, parent—3, size  of district 108.8 sq. miles, also noting bus runs to be kept at approx.one hour, students walking no more than one mile, while  maximizing student capacity for aid. He continued with a review of the transportation of students 2018-19: General Ed. consists of 97 trips, 4,985 students, 188 walkers; Other transportation 2018-19: Non-General Ed. consists of 74 trips. Mr. Wickham further presented on the Transportation Grow –

Projection for 2019-2020 as follows:

New Routing Software: Transfinder

Early Projections:

• Reduction of 2 buses district wide.
• Reduction of door-to-door public pick-up and drop-off.
• School bus load capacities equally distributed.
• Continued relationship building with current contractors.
• Successful transportation with minimal impact to students educational process.

 

Mr. Wickham concluded his presentation with a quote. He was thanked by the board.  A brief conversation ensued noting some of the highlights: Conversation regarding # of students vs space on the bus, reduction of buses/pick-up and drop off, and timeline of notification to parents re: bus routes for 2019-2020. One board member expressed thanks to Mr. Wickham for quickly addressing the CVMS drop off.

 

PRESENTATION  Preliminary Budget Outline/Fund Balance Outlook

Mr. Pacella continued with his presentation pertaining to the preliminary budget outline and fund balance outlook. Some of the highlights of his presentation were as follows:

REVIEW OF THE 2019-2020 PINE BUSH CSD PROPERTY TAX CALCULATION PER NYS LAW.

MAXIMUM BUDGET TO CONFORM TO TAX CAP:

• Estimated state aid (Gov.proposal) $ 56,048,547
• Tax cap allowed by law (3.07% incr.) $  60,054,950
• Misc. local & other revenue $2,019,000                                                                                                
• Maximum budget amount $ 118,122,497
• 19-20 current preliminary budget $ 118,196,783
• Current budget gap $ 74,286

CURRENT PRELIMINARY BUDGET INCLUDES:

• Original “rollover” projections of current program.
• Increase in premiums for liability insurance.
• Increase in BOCES administrative and capital expenses.
• Teaching staff changes based on enrollment.

– 2.0 Elementary positions.

• Email encryption software to conform to law.

 

PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Current draft budget gap $ 74,286
• .5 PE teacher – PAK  $ 36,889
• 4 new art clubs – ES $   8,105
• 1.0 ENL teacher – CVMS $ 83,830
• .3 Art teacher – CRSP $ 25,110
• 1 New club – CVMS $ 2,026
• 1 New summer academy – MS $ 5,201
• 1.0 PE teacher – PBHS $ 87,052
• 6 Club advisors – PBHS $ 15,611
• 1 Counseling team leader- PBHS $ 3,620
• 1 AP computer science 6th per – PBHS $ 13,443
• Create K-2 Castle program – PBE ($127,083) savings
  (Includes 4-6 students back from BOCES; 1.o Teacher; 2.0 T/A’s;
• 1.0 Behavioral Specialist; 1.o Assistant Director of SP)
• 1.0 Math/Science SE Teacher – PBHS $  87,052
• 1.0 Psychologist – PBHS  $  98,334
• 1 Varsity Girl’s Golf – PBHS $ 6,804
• Big Brothers/Sisters – PBHS,CRSP,PBE $ 19,500
• K-2 SEL program – District $ 20,000
• 1.0 Instructional Technology Assistant $ 66,520

Revised draft budget gap with all recommendations $526,300

 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Draft budget gap with recommendations $ 526,300

• 1.0 AIS teacher – PAK $ 87,052
• Ed. Elements for personalized learning $237,503
• Grade 7 Spanish $526,966
• 4.0 Foreign Language Teacher – MS
• 1.0 Groundskeeper $ 62,850
• 1.0 Security Guard – PBHS $48,138
• 1 Ski club (transp. and staff only) $17,226
• 2 Ski teams (boys and girls) $26,854
• Increase in liability insurance (skiing) $ 9,000

Revised draft budget gap including considerations $1,541,889

 

ANALYSIS OF FUND BALANCE (was provided)

In conclusion:

Actual as of 6/30/2018 Total Fund Balance $ 17,927,207, Estimated as of 6/30/2019 $ 17,591,300.

 

IN CONCLUSION-PLANS MOVING FORWARD:

• Monitor Albany’s progress as they finalize the state’s budget

Board of Education guidance/discussion is needed to determine:

• If additional programs should be added for 2019-2020
• Amount, if any, to be used from Fund Balance to offset the budget gap
• A final proposed budget will be presented at the April 9th BOE meeting

 

Mr. Pacella was thanked for his presentation. The board members and administration interacted in conversation some of which included discussion regarding the following: language (gr.7); plans for counseling dept. (dept. chair/team leader), security guards (staffing/subs); request for clear direction from board specifically fund balance.

 

Public Participation

Trustee Robertson opened the first public participation at approx. 7:58 PM requesting no personal references. The following comments/questions/concerns were raised:

• Staff member/teacher expressed being an advocate for world language for students and passionate about language, glad the board is as well— give PB student the opportunity.
• French-Canadian resident and employee in support of French in our schools, would like students to have a choice.
• Staff member spoke on behalf of Ski Club. Offered reasons in support and consideration of the board.
• Additional staff member expressed support for a Ski Club, great opportunity for students. Asked for consideration.
• Staff member thanked board for four clubs in elementary schools and increase of PE teachers. Expressed concern regarding two cuts in elementary staff and importance of maintaining small class size.
• Request for consideration by the board for a Jr. ROTC program, stating the program enhances confidence and improves academic grades. Cost factor is primarily for instructors.

 

Approval of New Policies for Second Reading/Adoption:

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, the Board of Education approve the following new policies for second reading/adoption:

• Policy 5414 – Procurement:  Uniform Grant Guidance for Federal Awards
• Policy 7133 – Education of Students in Foster Care

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Overnight Trip Request

MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Kheiralla, the Board of Education approve the following overnight trip request:

• Approval of the overnight trip request submitted by class advisors Kelly Cooke & Annette Wright on behalf of the 2019 senior class to Six Flags New England. The trip is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2019 (1:15 p.m.) through Saturday, May 18, 2019 (3:00 a.m.)  Approximately 150 students and 10 chaperones plan to participate, providing an approx. 15:1 student/chaperone ratio. The approximate cost per student is $90.00.   This is not an actual overnight trip where this group will be sleeping at a hotel. However, they will not return home until approx. 3:00 AM, therefore requesting BOE approval. 

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of SEDCAR Contracts

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, 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 2018-19 school year and authorize the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contracts on behalf of the district:

• Abilities First, Inc.
• The ARC of Orange County
• Best Friends, Inc.
• Center for Discovery, Inc.
• The Devereux Foundation
• Field of Dreams
• Green Chimneys
• Jawonio, Inc.
• Learning Together
• New York School for the Deaf
• Summit School
• United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County DBA Inspire Kids

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Upcoming Board Meetings, Events / Old, New Business / Updates

Upcoming board meetings and events 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 19, 2019, 7:00 PM Special Meeting at CVMS

FMP/Consideration of Capital Project Proposition

• Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School

                        Recognition begins at 6:45 PM

• Student Recognition: Circleville MS Cast and Crew of Once On This Island, Jr.
• Student Recognition: Scholar Athletes

 

                Other Important Dates

• Senior Citizens Dinner and Play Night

                Featuring: Newsies                                                         

                Wednesday, March 20, 2019

                Dinner begins at 5:30 PM / Play immediately following

                Please advise Debbie June or Jayna McAteer, if you plan to attend.

 

• Pine Bush High School Spring Musical –Newsies

                 Fri., March 22, 2019, 7:00 PM, Sat., March 23, 2019, 1:00 PM/7:00 PM

 

• Prospective School Board Members Workshop

                Saturday, March 30, 2019 – 9:00 AM to Noon

                O-U BOCES Administrative Conference Rm /Admin. Bldg.

                Reservation form available at BOE meeting & District Office

                E-mail: karyn.meier@ocsba.com

 

• Orange-Ulster  BOCES Budget Presentation and Dinner

                Wednesday, April 3, 2019 – 6:00 PM, Career & Technical Ed Center – Multipurpose Room

                RSVP to Debbie June or Jayna McAteer no later than March 20th, if you would like to attend.

                (Note: BOCES Reps will present their budget to Pine Bush CSD at our March 26, 2019 meeting)

 

Old or New Business/Updates:                

Petition packets are available at the District Office for anyone seeking School Board candidacy.

Petition return date to the District Clerk is (no later than) Monday, April 22, 2019 at 5:00 PM.

 

Discussion/Updates:

Voting Location Change for Election District No.2 and Election District No.3.

Pine Bush CSD has been approved as noted below (bolded) for use at two locations (Election District No. 2 and No. 3) for our Annual Vote/Election on May 21, 2019.

• ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 1:  Walker Valley Fire House
  (Residents of the Towns of Gardiner and Shawangunk)
• ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 2: Pine Bush Fire House
  (Residents of the Towns of Crawford and Montgomery)
• ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 3:  Circleville Evangelical Presbyterian Church
  (Residents of the Towns of Mt. Hope and Wallkill)
• ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 4: Bloomingburg Town Park 
  (Residents of the Town of Mamakating)

Other updates:

• Superintendent expressed deep pride of our Odyssey of the Mind teams, noting eight teams received trophies, five came in first place and will continue to States. Also, one team received an award for creativity which is a huge honor.
• Board member commented on the production of Once On This Island, Jr., at CVMS stating it was spectacular.
• Board member commented the Bushmen Bingo was a great success.
                                                   

Business & Finance

Claim Auditor’s Reports

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the following Claims Auditor’s Reports as submitted:     

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0053 dated 2/21/2019 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 225,913.63

• Cafeteria Fund (6 checks 004801-004806)   $   28,227.68
• Crispell SAF (1 checks 002273)  $ 240.00
• HS Activity Fund (3 checks 003775-003777)  $  3,759.37
• Academy of Finance (1 check 001614)  $   109.96         
• Federal Fund Acct. (6 checks 002414-002419)   $  7,562.69         
• Capital Fund (1 check 001760)  $ 8,800.27
• General Fund (47 checks 056989 -057035)    $  177,213.66

       Total                      $  225,913.63

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0054 dated 02/25/2019 payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $ 882,254.27

• Trust & Agency Acct. (8 checks 003843-003850)    $   882,254.27

  Total                      $  882,254.27

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0055 dated 2/28/2019 coaching checks and payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $ 258,982.58

• Trust & Agency Acct. (8 checks 003851-003858)    $  258,982.58

   Total                      $  258,982.58

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Public Participation

Trustee Robertson opened the second public participation at approx. 8:29 PM requesting no personal references. No comments/questions/concerns were raised.

 

Consideration of Executive Session

Hearing no matters for executive session, Trustee Robertson called for a motion for adjournment

 

Adjournment

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn the meeting, noting the time at approx. 8:29 PM.

YES – 5     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

Note: BOARD MEETINGS are video recorded and  can be viewed at www.pinebushschools.org.           

Deborah A. June, District Clerk Pine Bush CSD