Pine Bush Board of Education –March 24, 2020
REGULAR MEETING – Scheduled for Pine Bush HS / Recorded at District Office

Meeting Live Streamed with attendance via Google Meet Hangouts / Posted to Website with Closed Caption

Due to the Current Emergency/Meeting Closed to Public

Members Present:

• Gretchen Meier, President
• Cara Robertson, Vice President
• Kristin Graessle
• Kristi Kheiralla
• Dori Johnson
• Ross Tompkins
• Matthew Watkins

Members Absent:

• None

Others Present:

• Tim Mains, Superintendent of Schools
• Donna Geidel, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
• Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business
• Ryan Reed, Executive Director for Personnel and Data
• John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
• Linda Smith, Communications Rep
• Deborah June, District Clerk
• Approximately 0 residents/students/staff members

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 Kheiralla, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:38 PM

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

Consideration of Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at approximately 6:39 PM regarding a Legal Matter.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

Adjourn Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn from executive session at approximately 6:54 PM.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

Regular Session Resumes / Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education resume the regular session of the meeting noting the time at approximately 7:17 PM.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

President Gretchen Meier welcomed all to the regular meeting, and requested all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Keiralla, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the March 10, 2020 regular meeting as submitted by the District Clerk. (note: erroneously requested approval of March 18, 2020 minutes, March 10, 2020 minutes to be resubmitted for approval).

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools

Consent Agenda

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

Resignations

Non-Instructional

• Angelina Breckling, resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from her position as a 1.0 FTE Custodial Worker, effective at the close of business April 4, 2020.

Per Diem Substitutes

Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes effective March 25, 2020 at board approved per diem substitute rates:

• Rachel Day
• Megan Fitzsimmons
• Colleen Hayden
• Terry Hession
• Jillian Quill
• Bethany Ravelo

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Board approval for the following positions for instructors, assistants, counselors or lifeguards for continuing education courses for the 2019/2020 school year. All classes and salaries are contingent upon enrollment.

NAME CLASS/POSITION PAY

• Brittany Starr    Boys Running Club     $30-$60/student

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

CSE and CPSE Placement Recommendation

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, 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 Watkins.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Board Approval of Educational Consultant

MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve an agreement with Mary Ann Wilson, d/b/a Wilson Learning & Leading (Consultant), for the Pine Bush Central School District, effective March 11, 2020 through June 30, 2020, at a rate of $700 per day, not to exceed 15 days (paid through the School Improvement Grant) in accordance with said agreement on file with the district clerk, and further authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign all applicable documents.
Date: March 24, 2020

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

(Note: CSE/CPSE approval inadvertently taken out of order, should have been have education consultant approval).

 

Board Approval for Waiver of Potential Conflict of Interest

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign the Waiver of Potential Conflict of Interest (in the form attached) between Orange Ulster BOCES (“BOCES”) and the Pine Bush Central School District regarding a legal opinion as to whether BOCES’
component school districts are obligated to pay BOCES for all contracted services.
Date: March 24, 2020

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Update: Orange-Ulster BOCES 2020-2021 Budget Presentation

It was announced, due to the unforeseen circumstances all currently experiencing, the administrators and Board Members from Orange-Ulster BOCES will be unable to present their 2020-2021 budget in person. It is
anticipated that all component districts will be provided with a video illustrating their 2020-2021 budget. We will be advised as soon as it becomes available.
Please see the following O-U BOCES budget documents, also available for viewing on our district website:

• Orange Ulster BOCES Administrative Budget Newsletter
• Proposed 2020-2021 O-U BOCES Budget Booklet

This year, the Pine Bush CSD Board of Education will be asked to approve or disapprove the Orange Ulster BOCES Administrative Budget on Thursday, April 16, 2020 and vote for candidates for the Orange Ulster BOCES board.

Presentation: Preliminary Budget 2020-2021

Superintendent Tim Mains and Assistant Michael Pacella provided a final review of the preliminary budget for 2020-2021. Some of the highlights of the presentation included the following:

• 2020-2021 Preliminary Budget Outline and Fund Balance Outlook
• Review of Property Tax Calculation comparison from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021;
• Maximum budget to conform to tax cap:
      Estimated state aid (Gov. proposal) $ 58,636,927
      Tax cap allowed by law (3.58% incr.) $ 62,204,219
      Misc. local & other revenue $ 1,973,500
      Maximum budget amount $ 122,814,646
      20-21 current preliminary budget $ 122,620,685
      Current revenues over budget $ 193,961
• Current Preliminary Budget Includes:
      Original “rollover” projections of current program;
      Including year 2 plan of Spanish at Middle Schools;
      Changes for the following after the rollover projection;
      Increase in Worker’s Compensation per updated analysis;
      Current “Wish List” items;
      Establishment of new Kindergarten ABLE class;
      Year 1 Strategic Plan costs.
• Proposed Recommendations:
      1.0 Social Worker – ALL ELEM $113,320
      1.0 Music teacher – PAK $ 94,140
      0.5 Music teacher – PBHS $ 35,270
      1.0 C-Tech teacher – PBHS $ 94,140
      1.0 Spec. Ed. Teacher – PBHS $ 94,140
      1.0 ENL teacher – CRISPELL $ 94,140
      2.0 Behavioral Aides – DIST $ 89,791
      Future Farmers club- CRISPELL $ 2,445
      Summer Academies increase $ 16,000
      Summer work pay change – PBHS $ 2,881
      Summer services for CASTLE class $ 10,498
      Create ABLE program – CES ($215,950) savings
      (Includes 4-6 students back from BOCES; 1.o Teacher; 2.0 T/A’s; 1.0      Occupational Therapist and summer personnel cost)
      Medicaid billing services $ 15,000
      Cybersecurity technology costs $ 80,000
      K-2 SEL program – District $ 20,000
      Technology for single sign on ability $ 15,000
      Strategic Plan year 1 costs $170,000
      Data wise training $ 20,000
      School to work PD $ 5,000
      Resources to promote coding $ 25,000
      Upgrade of science lab equip $ 20,000
      Flexible furniture $100,000
• Analysis for Fund Balance:
      Actual 6/30/2019
      Non-spendable Fund Balance $ 115,013
• Restricted Fund Balance:
      Reserve for Tax Certiorari $ 721,710
      Reserve for Employee Benes. & Accr. Liabs. $ 2,795,759
      Unemployment Insurance Reserve $ 0
      Worker’s Compensation Reserve $ 0
      Capital Reserve $ 9,659,599
      Assigned Unappropriated Fund Balance $ 452,732
      Assigned Appropriated Fund Balance* $ 474,243
      Unassigned Fund Balance $ 4,978,064 *
      Total Fund Balance** $ 19,197,120 **
  * Represents 4.2% of current year budget (state law max is 4%)
  ** Amount is 7.1% higher than prior year
• Deferring $300,000 (.5%) of tax cap to 2021-2022:
      Estimated state aid (Gov. proposal) $ 58,636,927
      Proposed tax amount (3.08% incr.) $ 61,904,219
      Misc. local & other revenue $ 1,973,500
      Proposed budget amount $ 122,514,646
      20-21 current preliminary budget $ 122,620,685
      Fund balance needed $ 106,039
• Where do We Go From Here:
  Monitor Albany’s progress as they finalize the state’s budget
  Incorporate possible savings from PBTA retirement incentive
  A final proposed budget will be presented at the April 16th BOE meeting

At the conclusion of the presentation, a conversation ensued amongst the members of the Board of Education. After suggestions and conversation, the board expressed wanting to present a lower percentage increase and collectively determined that they would like the percentage increase lowered to 2.58%. An updated presentation will be provided at the next meeting on April 16, 2020 to reflect this change.

Superintendent Mains and Assistant Superintendent Pacella were thanked for their hard work and presentation.

Designation & Disposition of Library Books

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education authorize the disposition of the following library books: Board designation of Library Books as submitted at the request of, Robin Renehan, Library Media Specialist, and acknowledged by Principal Lisa Hankinson,
as outdated and/or in poor condition, therefore, unusable in accordance with Policy #5250

SUBJECT: Disposition of Surplus Property, and authorizes the disposition the following materials as submitted under the direction of Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business.

(List to be attached to the minutes)

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

To Date: 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. Any changes will be posted on our District Website.

Regular Board Meetings:

• Thursday, April 16, 2020, 7:00 PM Pine Bush High School (If still in a State of Emergency – meeting closed to public).
• Tuesday, April 28, 2020, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School (PBHS, if still in a State of Emergency – meeting will be closed to public)
• Tuesday, May 12, 2020, 7:00 PM Pine Bush High School
  Regular Board Meeting and School Budget Hearing on 2020-2021 Budget School (If still in a State of Emergency – meeting closed to public).

Other Important Dates

• Prospective School Board Member Workshop – CANCELLED
  Saturday, March 28, 2020, 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon
• Tuesday, May 19, 2020, Annual Budget Vote and Election – Polls Open 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 1: Walker Valley Fire House
  (Residents of the Towns of Gardiner and Shawangunk)
  (Address: 3679 NY—52, Walker Valley, NY 12588)
• ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 2: Pine Bush Fire House (Station 1) (previously Pine Bush HS)
  (Residents of the Towns of Crawford and Montgomery)
  (Address: 2405 NY—52, Pine Bush, NY 12566)
• ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 3: Circleville Evangelical Presbyterian Church (previously Circleville
  Elementary)
  (Residents of the Towns of Mt. Hope and Wallkill)
  (Address: 890 Goshen Turnpike, Circleville, NY 10919)
• ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 4: Town of Mamakating Park in Bloomingburg
  (Residents of the Town of Mamakating)
  (Address: 27-29 Mamakating Rd. Bloomingburg, NY 12721)

 

Old/New Business/Updates

Voter Registration:

Qualified voters can personally register in any of the District school buildings during regular school hours until May 7, 2020. In addition, personal registration will be conducted on May 7, 2020 between the hours of 4 p.m.
and 8 p.m. in the District Office. Further, any qualified voter can register with their respective County Board of Elections at any time prior to voting in a school election.

Updates: Emergency Update – Covid19

Superintendent Tim Mains as been providing the staff, students, parents, and board members regular updates on the current emergency situation. He provided a review to date of the reason(s) for school closures. Mr. Mains spoke of the ongoing distribution of chromebooks, as well as, instruction concentration of a four day week to allow for a “flexible Friday”. This will assist in making the online instruction manageable and meaningful. He continued to speak about the ongoing distribution of meals, to date the district has served approx. 3,000 children per week. Distribution will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

He offered great thanks to the food service and custodial staff, as well as The Town of Wallkill. It was also mentioned that childcare was being provided by the YMCA for first responders and healthcare workers. He concluded by mentioning the hope is to expand giving more chrome books to families that have several children. He thanked all those involved in these efforts to help our students and community.

Board Candidate Petitions:

Petition for board candidates available online or contact debbie.june@pinebushschools.org.
Amendment of Notification Date to MOA Teacher Retirement Incentive
Superintendent requested that the board consider amending the final notification date related to the Retirement Incentive from March 27, 2020 to April 3, 2020. After a brief conversation, the following a motion was offered and approved by the Board of Education to amend said date to April 3, 2020.
MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education amend the notification date related to the Retirement Incentive MOA from March 27, 2020 to April 3, 2020.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Business & Finance

Claim Auditor’s Reports

MOVED by Trustee Watkins, 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 # 0058 dated 3/5/2020 check run authorizing payments In the amount of $ 1,357,354.78

• Cafeteria Fund (3 checks 005127-005129) $ 853.65
• Crispell SAF (2 checks 002331-002332) 662.50
• HS Activity Fund (3 checks 004010-004012) 450.40
• Trust & Agency Acct.(0 checks) 15,797.40
• CVMS Activity Fund (4 checks 001657-001660) 2,680.94
• Federal Fund Acct. (1 check 002508) 9,786.00
• General Fund (75 checks 062382-062456) 1,322,983.16
• District Activity AC (3 checks 004754-004756) 4,140.73

Total $ 1,357,354.78

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0059 dated 03/10/2020 payroll authorizing payments in  the amount of $ 903,361.70

• Trust & Agency Acct. (7 checks 004109-004115) $ 903,361.70

Total $ 903,361.70

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0060 dated 03/16/2020 medicare reimbursement authorizing payments in the amount of $ 169,399.79

• General Fund (359 checks 062460-062818) $ 169,399.79

Total $ 169,399.79

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Consideration of Executive Session

Hearing no matters for executive session, President Meier asked for a motion to adjourn.

 

Adjournment

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting, noting the time at approx. 8:59 PM.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

Deborah A June (electronically signed/daj)
Note: BOARD MEETINGS are video live recorded and can be viewed at www.pinebushschools.org Pine Bush CSD

Deborah A. June, District Clerk 

(Disclosure: Minutes with be printed on numbered minute
paper and placed in the district minute books pending
return to school).