Minutes Budget Hearing and Regular Board Meeting – May 11, 2021

Location: Pine Bush High School

Consideration of Executive Session –Board Communications 6:45 PM

Regular Session 7:00 PM

Meeting televised Live Streamed remotely with attendance via Google Meet 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
• Kristi Kheiralla
• Ross Tompkins
• Matthew Watkins

 

Members Absent: None

 

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
• John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
• Aaron Hopmayer, Principal, Pine Bush High School
• Elizabeth Sproul, Principal, EJ Russell Elementary School
• 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 Tompkins that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:45 PM

YES –5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn Regular Session to Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson that the Board of Education adjourn regular session to executive session for a discussion regarding Board Communications at approximately 6:46 PM.

YES –5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn Executive Session and Return to Regular Session

MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education adjourn executive session to return to regular session at approximately 7:02 PM.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

BOE Resumes Regular/Public Session

MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education resume the regular meeting/public session at approximately 7:06 PM.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

President Meier welcomed all to the regular meeting, and requested all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence, noting the time at approx. 7:07 PM.

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.

School Budget Hearing (Proposed 2021-2022 Budget and Introduction of Candidates)

Presentation: School Budget Hearing – Proposed 2021-2022 School District Budget

Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Superintendent Tim Mains will provide a PowerPoint presentation for Tuesday’s School Budget Hearing. The Proposed 2021-2022 budget materials, will also be available
for the public at the meeting. Additionally, in accordance with Education Law, the Line Item Budget (including the Property Tax Report Card, School Academic Report Cards, District’s Fiscal Accountability Summary, Salary
Disclosure Notice, and Exemption Report for Taxing Jurisdictions) is available at district office and at the main office of each school. The Line Item Budget and Property Tax Report Card can also be viewed on the district website.

Some of the highlights of the presentation included the following:

Final Proposed Budget:

• Includes additional professional development and instructional programs needed to assist students as we “Return to Learn” in the Fall
• Addresses Phase 2 expansion of Middle School Spanish
• Maintains current instructional staffing levels
• Enhances Special Education services
• Continues full time police presence in all schools
• Replaces highly damaged track at the high school
• Balanced with Fund Balance and a THREE percent (3%) tax levy DECREASE

 

Change from Prior Year Budget:

• 2020-2021 Approved Budget $121,587,157
• 2021-2022 Proposed Budget $125,891,597
• Dollar Change $ 4,304,440
• Percentage Change 3.54 %

 

Questions & Answers Period on Budget – Public Participation

Following the budget presentation, the meeting will be open for public comments/questions on the proposed budget. 

There were no questions and/or comments, noting that the budget hearing was closed at approximately 7:20PM.

 

Introduction of Candidates /Personal Statements

Two (2) members to the Board of Education at large for three-year terms will be elected at the Annual Budget Votevand School Board Election held on May 18, 2021. The terms of office for the two (2) seats that will be available (due
to the expiration of terms of office of Kristin Graessle and Ross Tompkins as of June 30, 2021) are for three years commencing July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2024.

Superintendent Tim Mains introduced the school board candidates. Each candidate was provided with approximately three (3) minutes to present their personal statement regarding their candidacy.

Introduction of Candidates

The candidates were introduced in the order their names will appear on the May 18, 2021 ballot as determined by the drawing that was held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, the day following the deadline for the submission of petitions:

• Tasha T. Butler
• Marie Brevil
• Ross Tompkins

(There will be no questions addressed to the candidates) 
Each candidate made their statements.

 

Approval of Minutes

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the April 22, 2021 regular board meeting as submitted by the District Clerk.

YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools

Consent Agenda and Addition to Consent Agenda

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

Tonight’s consent agenda and addition to the consent agenda includes the appointment of the following new personnel:

• Nina Reagan – School Monitor
• Anthony Muia – Assistant Principal

 

Resignations and Rescind

Instructional

• Patricia Becker, resignation from her position as a 1.00 FTE Teacher-Elementary, effective at the close of business on June 30, 2021.
• Jennifer Evans, resignation from her position as a 1.00 FTE Teacher-Physical Education, effective at the close of business on June 30, 2021.
• Katie Hennessey, resignation from her position as a 1.0 FTE School Psychologist, effective at the close of business on June 30, 2021.
• Meghan Isaacs, resignation from her position as a 1.00 FTE Teacher-Special Education, effective at the close of business on June 30, 2021.
• Brian Flint, resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from his position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher-Music, effective at the close of business on June 29, 2021.

 

Non Instructional

• RESCIND: Laura Rios, rescind the reinstatement to a 3.5 hours/day position of School Monitor, effective April 23, 2021 salary as per contract (pro-rated).

 

Leave of Absence

Administrative

Kristin Slover, an extension of an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.00 FTE Assistant Principal-12 month, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. (to continue in her current assignment)

 

Instructional

• Jennifer Fitzgerald, an extension of an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.0 FTE Special Education Teacher, effective August 30, 2021 through June 30, 2022. (to continue in her current assignment)
• BethAnne Fox, extend an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.00 FTE Teacher-Special Education, effective August 30, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

 

Non Instructional

• Dianne Carroll, unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 6.75 hours/day Food Service Helper effective May 10, 2021 through June 8, 2021.

 

Appointments

Administrative

• Anthony Muia, who holds an Initial certificate in School Building Leader, be appointed to the probationary position of Assistant Principal-12 Month in the tenure area of Administrative: Elementary Assistant Principal, for a four-year probationary period commencing June 11, 2021 and ending June 10, 2025. Salary $125,144 (pro-rated).

 

Instructional

• Denise Crisafulli, who holds a Teaching Assistant Level I certificate, increase in hours, as a part-time, non-tenure bearing Teaching Assistant, (currently 6.0 hour/day) to 6.5 hour/day, effective May 12, 2021, salary as per contract
  (pro-rated).

 

Non Instructional

• Nina Reagan, probationary appointment to a 3.5 hours/day position of School Monitor, effective May 12, 2021, salary as per contract (pro-rated).

 

Extracurricular:

Board approval of the following extracurricular appointments for the 2020-2021 school year at the appropriate extracurricular stipends, effective on April 22, 2021:

Pine Bush High School:

• Renae Bray, Junior Class Co-Advisor@ Level III, Step 10 (15)
• Kathleen Bisaillon, Junior Class Co-Advisor @ Level III, Step 7(7)
• Georgia Serroukas- Smith, Junior Class Co-Advisor @ Level III, Step 7(7)

 

Per Diem Substitutes

Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes effective May 12, 2021 (or as noted) at board approved per diem substitute rates:

• April Deyo*
• Taylor Fillipone*
• Christina Tanagretta*
• Isabella Dwarka
• Andrea Cadena*

*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. Theemergency conditional segments of the appointments shall commence as of April 23, 2021 and shall not exceed twenty (20) business days.

 

 

Supervision

Board approval of the following school personnel for supervision duties in connection with Fall 2 and Spring sporting events during the 2020-2021 school year at the rate of $20/hour:

• Deidre Babcock
• Dawn Darrell

 

Designation of Poll Workers/Inspectors

Designation of the following individuals, to date, working as table inspectors (poll workers); machine inspectors; facility attendant, and machine technician/assistant for the May 18, 2021 Annual District Meeting (Budget Vote and Election of Board Members) to include any preparation vote meetings /subsequent meetings.

Alternates:

• Judith Peterson
• John Geidel

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Board of Education approval of the following positions for instructors, assistants, counselors or lifeguards for continuing education courses for the 2020/2021 school year. All classes and salaries are contingent upon enrollment.

NAME CLASS/POSITION PAY

• James Wright /Football Fitness /$15-$20/student

 

STUDENT NAME CLASS/POSITION PAY

• Nina Camacho/Assistant/Lifeguard – Learn to Swim /$12.50-$13/hour

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

CSE and CPSE Placement Recommendation

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, 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 Robertson.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Board Approval of Special Education Services Contract

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the Special Education Services Contract with Hawthorne Cedar Knolls Union Free School District for the 2021-2022 school year and authorize the Superintendent of Schools to sign said agreement on behalf of the District.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Presentation: Gene Haas Innovation Center at Pine Bush High School

Principal Aaron Hopmayer presented a PowerPoint on the Gene Haas Innovation Center at Pine Bush High School.

Some highlights of the presentation were:

$250,000 Naming Rights Grant

• Pine Bush High School received a $250,000 Naming Rights Grant.
• First High School in the country to receive this honor.
• Will double the size of the instructional spaces currently used to support the STEAM Program.
• These programs serve all levels of students.
• The Gene Haas Foundation has given $39,000 in scholarships to our students over the last five years.

Gene Haas Innovation Center Kick-Off Event

• Attended by numerous business leaders, politicians, educators, community members, and students.
• Many students offered jobs, internships, and scholarships to Hudson Valley Community College that day!

Principal Hopmayer was thanked for the presentation and acknowledged for all the students he has helped and his vision for the students at Pine Bush High School. Mr. Hopmayer stated that it is a team effort and thanked his teachers and colleagues.

 

Public Participation

The first public participation segment was opened at approx. 7:57PM by President Meier. The following are the questions/comments/concerns that were raised and for complete conversation of this public participation refer to the online video at www.pinebushschools.org (watch board meetings).

• Comment about how amazing that the high school has accomplished so much
• Comment on how to fundraise for better fields and restrooms
• Question about possibility of hiring someone for grant writing in the district
• Comment about better fields and nicer restrooms bringing more people out and that it would benefit everyone including local businesses.
• Comment/Question/Concern over mask wearing and when or if it will changed for at least outdoor activities
• Question about the district requiring students to get for vaccines for Covid
• Question about the school’s definition of Pii
• Question about the continuing of online email public participation

A brief discussion ensued based on the question of whether the district will continue with the online submission of questions and/or concerns for public participation at board meetings. President Meyer asked that the online emails
word counts have limit to 3 minutes and this information be made available to the public. Mr. Mains indicated that the instructions will be posted on the website.

 

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

Our upcoming board meetings and events to be announced Tuesday evening:

The start time for the regular sessions of our board meetings – 7PM unless otherwise noted. Any changes will be posted on our District Website.

Regular Board Meetings:

• Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 7PM at Circleville Middle School

There will be a reversal in locations for the June meetings.

• Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 7PM at Pine Bush High School, location will now be at Circleville Middle School
• Tuesday, June 22, 2021, 7PM at Circleville Middle School, location will now be at Pine Bush High School

 

Other Important Information

Annual Budget Vote and Election – Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Polling Sites:

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)
(Residents of the Towns of Crawford and Montgomery)
(Address: 2405 NY—52, Pine Bush, NY 12566)

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 3: Circleville Evangelical Presbyterian Church
(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)

 

Pine Bush High School Top Thirty Recognition and Senior Awards Ceremony

The Top 30 Recognition Ceremony will be held on May 20, 2021 at 5pm in the High School Auditorium, in person.

The Senior Awards will be a Virtual Awards Presentation that will be available on the district website on the evening of May 20, 2021.

 

Mid-Hudson School Study Council Awards

Pine Bush Central School District is honoring three award winners recognized this year. Congratulations to the following winners:

• Kelly Cooke – Teaching Excellence Award (last year’s nominee)
• Holly Shader – Teaching Excellence Award
• Tim Mains – Golden Apple Award for 50 years of service to public education

Due to the Pandemic, the event was cancelled and no awards were handed out at the Council’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. The above candidates were celebrated by the presentation of plaques and flowers along with applause.

 

Orange County School Board Association (OSCBA)

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.

Maria Wise will register any new board members who plan to attend.

 

New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA)

Mandated Training for New School Board Members in School District Governance

• Date: June 19, 2021

Time: 9AM – 1PM (Live virtual event)

Maria Wise will register any new board members who plan to attend

 

New School Board Members Training:

Fiscal Oversight Fundamentals

• Date: June 11 – 12, 2021

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Live virtual event)

(Attendance at both dates is required to complete the Fiscal Oversight Fundamentals)

Maria Wise will register any new board members who plan to attend

 

Old/New Business/Updates

Superintendent Mains acknowledged Trustee Graessle’s recognition by the New York State School Board Association for Board Excellence. Trustee Graessle was congratulated by all.

Superintendent Mains announced the Pine Bush Central School District will be a vaccination site and this is through Garnet Health. Information will go out through a one call message.

 

Business & Finance

Claim Auditor’s Reports

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

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0068 dated 04/22/2021 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,805,437.82

• Cafeteria Fund (3 checks 005578-005580) $ 2,260.06
• CVMS Activity Fund (1 check 001669) 385.00
• General Fund (42 checks 067401-067442) 1,802,771.76
• District Activity Fund (1 check 005702) 21.00

Total $ 1,805,437.82

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0069 dated 4/23/21 payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,040,561.40

• Trust & Agency Acct. (13 checks 004347-004359) $ 1,040,561.40

Total $ 1,040,561.40

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0070 dated 4/27/21 coaching checks authorizing payments in the amount of $ 49,077.59

• Trust & Agency Acct. (0 checks) $ 49,077.59

Total $ 49,077.59

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0071 dated 04/29/2021 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 881,732.11

• Cafeteria Fund (1 check 005581) $ 100.00
• Crispell SAF (1 check 002352) 385.00
• HS Activity Fund (1 check 004340) 385.00
• Trust & Agency Acct. (1 check 004360) 7,874.24
• Capital Fund (1 check 001874) 3,257.58
• General Fund (34 checks 067443-067476) 869,622.29
• District Activity Fund (1 check 005703) 108.00

Total $ 881,732.11

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Health & Welfare Services Contract

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the Health & Welfare Services Contract for the 2020-2021 school year with the Newburgh Enlarged City School District at a per student cost of $ 860.35. The contract covers 3 students who are Pine Bush residents attending a non-public school within the Newburgh Enlarged City School District for a total contract cost of $2,581.05 (3 students have been
verified.)

FYI: For the 2019-2020 school year, the district’s contract with Newburgh covered 3 students, at a per student cost of $865.84

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of SCAR Assessment Reduction Decisions

MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the following property tax refund based upon Small Claim Assessment Review (SCAR) decision authorizing reductions of the assessment:

Town of Crawford – Owner: QTip Trust, Under the Will of A. Moriano, Pine Bush, N.Y.
School Year S-B-L Old Assessment New Assessment Refund Amt

• 2019-2020 2-1-27.22 $225,000.00 $110,625.00 $6,936.58
• 2020-2021 2-1-27.22 $225,000.00 $103,634.00 $7,469.84
• 2019-2020 2-1-25.4 $76,900.00 $69,375.00 $456.37
• 2020-2021 2-1-25.4 $76,900.00 $64,991.00 $732.98
• 2019-2020 2-1-25.32 $136,400.00 $116,250.00 $1,222.05
• 2020-2021 2-1-25.32 $136,400.00 $108,903.00 $1,692.39

 

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

District Treasurer’s Report
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the following District Treasurer’s Reports for the period April 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021.

General Fund Reports:

• 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

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Public Participation

The second public participation segment was opened at approx. 8:29PM by President Meier. There were no questions/comments/concerns were 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

Moved by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting to executive session by request of Trustee Graessle for board communications, noting time at 8:30PM.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Moved by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education open executive session at approximately 8:34PM.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn Executive Session

Moved by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education adjourn executive session at approximately 8:38PM.

YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjournment

Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting noting the time at approximately 8:38 PM.

YES – 7 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).