Pine Bush Board of Education –May 12, 2020
REGULAR MEETING –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
- John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
- Linda Smith, Communications Rep
- Deborah June, District Clerk
- Angela Wise
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 Tompkins, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:04 PM (K. Graessle arrived approx. 6:15 PM)
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Consideration of Executive Session
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at approximately 6:05 PM regarding Legal Matters, Superintendent’s Contract, and Personnel Matter
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn Executive Session
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education adjourn from executive session at approximately 6:59 PM.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Regular Session Resumes / Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance
MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education resume the regular session of the meeting noting the time at approximately 7:05 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 Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the April 28, 2020 regular board meeting.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
BOE Approves Including Addition to Consent Agenda
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education approve including an addition to the consent agenda that reflects a title abolishment and creation, as well as appointment of Executive Director of Human Resources, Data, and School Counseling.
YES – 7 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 revised Consent Agenda and addition to the Consent agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools:
Abolishment/Creations (addition to consent agenda)
Administrative
Board approval to authorize the abolishment and creation of the following positions:
Abolishment:
One Full-time, 1.0 FTE Executive Director of Human Resources and Data position, effective at the close of business June 12, 2020.
Creation:
(1) One Full-time, 1.0 FTE Executive Director of Human Resources, Data and School Counseling position, effective June 15, 2020.
Resignation
Instructional
- Beverly Correa, resignation from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher-Spanish, effective at the close of business on June 26, 2020.
Non-Instructional
- Tamara Sullivan, resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from her position as a 1.0 FTE Nurse RN, effective at the close of business on June 30, 2020.
- Douglas Cruikshank, resignation for the purpose of retirement, from his position as a 1.0 FTE Head Custodian, effective at the close of business June 26, 2020.
Leaves of Absence
Instructional
- Meghan Isaacs, request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher-Special Education, effective September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021.
- Katie Hennessey, request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.0 FTE School Psychologist, effective September 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
- Jennifer Evans, request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher- Secondary, effective September 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
- Patricia Becker, request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher-Elementary, effective September 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
Appointments (addition to consent agenda)
Administrative
- Angela Wise, who holds a Professional certificate in the SDBL (School District Business Leader) area, be appointed on probation to the position of Executive Director of Human Resources, Data and School Counseling, for a four-year probationary period commencing June 15, 2020 and ending June 14, 2024. Salary for will be subject to the terms of the Executive Director of Human Resources, Data and School Counseling contract (to be determined/approved by the Board).
Per Diem Substitutes
Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes effective May 13, 2020 at board approved per diem substitute rates:
- Tamara Sullivan
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Board of Education Approves Amending the Agenda to Include Additional Item – Employment Agreement
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education approve amending the agenda to include an additional item, Employment Agreement,for action that evening.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Board Approval of Employment Agreement for the Executive Directive of Human Resources, Data, and School Counseling
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution for adoption:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District approves the Employment Agreement for Angela Wise, as the Executive Directive of Human Resources, Data, and School Counseling according to the terms and conditions of said Employment Agreement, a fully executed copy of which will be filed with the District Clerk; and further authorizes the Superintendent and Board President to sign the Employment Agreement.
May 12, 2020
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
- K.Graessle Yes
- K. Kheiralla Yes
- D.Johnson Yes
- M. Watkins Yes
- R. Tompkins Yes
- C. Robertson Yes
- G. Meier Yes
CSE and CPSE Placement Recommendation
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve all IEPs of theCommittee on Special Education and the Committee on Preschool Special Education as submitted by the CSE and CPSE Chairperson and reviewed by Trustee Johnson.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of Settlement Agreement
MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that all claims regarding an Impartial Hearing brought by the Parents of Student No. 5122020, be resolved in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Stipulation to be entered into between the Board and the Parents, in a form satisfactory to the District’s attorney.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to execute the aforementioned Stipulation.
Date: May 12, 2020
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Presentation: NYS and Federal Budget Impact
Superintendent Tim Mains provided a PowerPoint regarding the changes in NYS aid, possible stimulus help from the Federal Government, and the potential impact on Pine Bush Central School District. Some of the highlights of the presentation included the following:
Reality of NYS Adopted Budget
- Froze Foundation Aid at current year’s level
- Included “Pandemic Adjustment”
- Reduces State Aid for all NY Schools by $1.1 billion
- Reduces PB’s State Aid by $655,836
- Offset by federal CARES Restoration
- Included Potential Future Reductions After 3 Periods
- April 1 – April 30
- May 1 – June 30
- July 1 – December 31
We recommended waiting till after 4/30
- But that’s only the first of three potential changes
- There is now also talk about a possible additional COVID federal bailout bill targeted towards state and local governments
- We are a local governmental entity
- So if we make cuts now and adopt that budget with those cuts, that puts us in a difficult spot:
- Get could get additional funds, but not be able to use it
- Even if we get no bail out, we still will have made cuts based on an incomplete picture
- More cuts could be announced after June 30
- So if we have to make cuts, we don’t believe we should be doing so until sometime this summer
- After the second state “assessment period”
- After knowing if more stimulus money might come our way
Adopting a Budget today: “Every Cloud has a silver lining”
- We preserve people & program should the stimulus comes through
- We avoid adding further stress to our staff and families right now
- We accelerate getting ballots out to voters
- If we do have to make cuts, we can do so more thoughtfully, based on more data
Mr. Mains was thanked for the presentation and he continued to the final proposed 2020-2021 budget.
Presentation: Final Budget Segment for 2020-2021
- Presentation of Final Proposed 2020-2021 Budget
- Board Feedback regarding Proposed Budget
Superintendent Tim Mains and Assistant Superintendent for Business, Michael Pacella, presented to the Pine Bush CSD Board of Education the Final Proposed 2020-2021 Budget, followed by feedback from the Board of Education. Highlights of the presentation included the following:
- 2020-2021 Proposed Budget / Property Tax Report Card
- Final Proposed Budget:
- Maintains the strong educational standards of Pine Bush
- Maintains current class sizes
- Defers expansion of Foreign Language in Middle Schools
- Continues our efforts to minimize out of district special education placements by expanding in-district offerings
- Begins formal funding of the District’s Strategic Plan
- Reduces property tax impact based on current economic conditions by proposing a full percent less than the NYS allowable tax cap
- Final Proposed Budget Includes:
- Addition of 1.0 Social Worker – ALL ELEMENTARY
- Addition of 2.0 Behavioral Aides – DISTRICT
- Addition of .5 Music Teacher – PBHS
- Addition of 1.0 ENL Teacher – CRISPELL
- Addition of 1 club – CRISPELL
- Addition of summer services for CASTLE classes
- Creation of a Kindergarten ABLE Class – CES
Includes 4-6 students back from BOCES; 1 Teacher; 2 T/A’s; 1 Occupational Therapist; Summer costs - Additional Technology costs to enhance Cybersecurity
- Initial funding for District’s Strategic Plan
- Savings from Teacher retirements
- Final Proposed Budget Does NOT Include:
- Addition of 2.0 Spanish Teachers – Delay 7th Grade roll out
- Addition of 1.0 Music Teacher – PAK/CES
- Addition of 1.0 Spec. ED Teacher – PBHS
- Addition of 1.0 CTECH (School-to-Work) Teacher – PBHS
- School-to-Work PD
- Data Wise Training (absorbed in School Improvement Grant)
- K-12 Coding Resources (absorbed in Instructional Budget)
- Flexible Furniture cut in half to $50,000
- Any draw from Unrestricted Fund Balance
Summary of Staffing Changes:
Additions:
- FTE – Social Worker
- 2.0 FTE – Behavioral Aides
- FTE – ENL Teacher
- .5 FTE – Music Teacher
- FTE – Elementary Spec. Ed. Teacher (ABLE class)
- 2.0 FTE – Teacher Assistants (ABLE class)
- 1.0 FTE – Occupational Therapist (ABLE class)
Reductions:
- FTE – Elementary Teacher (through attrition)
- FTE – Secondary Spec. Ed. Teacher (through attrition)
6.5 FTE Net Increase
Change from Prior Year Budget:
- 2019-2020 Approved Budget $118,775,551
- 2020-2021 Proposed Budget $121,587,157
- Dollar Change $ 2,811,606
- Percentage Change 2.37 %
The presentation continued with a review of the following:
- Breakdown of Proposed Budget of $121,587,157 (Program 78.55%, Capital 10.89%, Administrative 10.56%);
- State Aid and Taxes as % of Budget (reviewed from 2010-11 to Projected 2020-21);
- Graph illustration from 2010-2011 to project 2020-21 showing budget, state aid, and taxes;
- Budget to budget comparison of expenditures and revenues from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021.
A proposed budget breakdown from 2019-20 to 2020-21 was provided as follows:
2019-20 2020-21
- Salaries $ 53,800,530 $ 55,551,504
- Equipment $ 499,400 $ 549,400
- Contractual $ 14,290,959 $ 14,003,851
- Materials/Supplies $ 1,056,819 $ 1,190,977
- Software $ 151,993 $ 152,293
- Tuition $ 2,375,500 $ 2,570,000
- Textbooks $ 522,780 $ 533,780
- BOCES $ 12,765,421 $ 12,761,298
- Benefits $ 28,402,533 $ 28,905,540
Debt $ 4,564,616 $ 4,992,514
Trans to Other Funds $ 345,000 $ 376,000
TOTALS $118,775,551 $121,587,157
Additional Funding to support programs was illustrated showing Federal and State Grants totaling in the amount of $ 2,551,752.
The Property Tax Report Card for 2020-21 was presented next. An illustration was provided showing a breakdown of what was budgeted for 2019-20, proposed for 2020-21, and percentage change as follows:
- 2019-20 $118,775,551
- 2020-21 $121,587,157
- Percentage Change: 2.37%
In conclusion, the final information provided was stated as follows:
VOTE by June 9, 2020 prior to 5:00 PM:
How to Vote:
Absentee ballots, with a return postage paid envelope, will be mailed to all qualified, registered voters in the district.
The ballots will contain:
- The proposition language for the 2020-2021 school budget and property tax levy
- The names of the candidates that have notified the District Clerk of their intent to fill two (2) Board of Education seats that expire June 30, 2020
- The ballot must be received no later than 5:00 PM on June 9, 2020 to be counted.
Superintendent Mains and Assistant Superintendent Pacella were thanked for their presentation. A brief conversation ensued amongst the board members regarding the upcoming budget. Some of the conversation included the following: Condition of the State’s Budget; Moving ahead based of the State’s adopted budget; Questions regarding cuts (if needed); If budget doesn’t pass what are the options (noting: a contingency budget is entirely possible). An explanation of a contingency budget was provided by the Ass’t Superintendent. Also provided was a verbal outline of the plan for the budget hearing so residents can call and ask question on May 26, 2020. At the conclusion of the board conversation, the board took action on the following matters:
B.O.E. Budget Adoption and Approval of Wording for June 9, 2020 Ballot
MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Pine Bush CSD Board of Education approve 2020-2021 budget for adoption and approve the following wording of the proposition to be presented to voters on June 9, 2020:
RESOLVED, that the proposed Pine Bush Central School District Budget for the 2020-2021 school year in the amount of $ 121,587,157 be approved and the Board of Education of said school district be authorized to levy the necessary tax therefore.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
- D. Johnson Yes
- K. Graessle Yes
- K. Kheiralla Yes
- R. Tompkins Yes
- M. Watkins Yes
- C. Robertson Yes
- G. Meier Yes
B.O.E. Approval of Property Tax Report Card 2020-2021
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Pine Bush CSD Board of Education approve the 2020-2021 Property Tax Report Card, based on the approved budget as submitted, with the adoption of thefollowing resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Pine Bush Central School District Board of Education approve the 2020 2021 Property Tax Report Card as submitted, in the amount of $61,604,219.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Roll Call:
- K.Graessle Yes
- K. Kheiralla Yes
- D.Johnson Yes
- M. Watkins Yes
- R. Tompkins Yes
- C. Robertson Yes
- G. Meier Yes
Approval of New Policy 5676 for First Reading
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education approve New Policy 5676 for first reading: Policy 5676 – Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Acknowledge Receipt and Acceptance of Donation
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of a historical Document / Special Meeting Announcement from the Commissioner of NYS Education dated August 1, 1962, from an anonymous donor.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Upcoming Board Meetings, Events / Old, New Business / Updates
Announcements 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 Meeting and School Budget Hearing:
- Tuesday, May 26 7:00 PM (Due to the State of Emergency– meeting will be closed to public and live televised at District Office)
Other Important Information
Annual School District Budget Vote and Election of Board Members on June 9, 2020 by Absentee Ballot only (no in person voting):
All qualified voters in the Pine Bush CSD are eligible to receive an absentee ballot. Those who have registered to vote with the County Board of Elections or personally registered with the school district are already on the list to automatically receive an absentee ballot.
A qualified voter must be 18 years of age by June 9th, live in the district for at least 30 days, be a citizen of the United States, and not be otherwise ineligible to vote under Election Law Section 5-106. If you are a qualified voter and have not already registered to vote with the County Board of Elections or personally registered with the school district, and would like to receive an absentee ballot, please complete the form found on the district website www.pinebushschools.org and return as indicated.
Board Candidates for June 9, 2020 Vote/Election:
Deborah June, District Clerk announced the names of the candidates for the election on June 9, 2020 in the order they will be listed:
- Tasha T. Butler
- Kristi Kheiralla
- Cara Robertson
Old/New Business/Updates
Superintendent Mains acknowledged Gretchen Meier for receiving a board achievement award from NYSSBA.
Update: Census 2020
Superintendent Tim Mains provided a brief Census 2020 update, noting to date 60% have responded.
Business & Finance
Claim Auditor’s Reports
MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Kheiralla, 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 #0069 dated 02/25/20-4/23/20 void and reissue authorizing payments in the amount of $ 2,310.08
- HS Activity Fund (2 checks 004006-004013) $ 477.00
- General Fund (8 checks 062457-063151) $ 1,833.08
Total $ 2,310.08
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0070 dated 4/30/20 check run authorizing payments In the amount of $ 1,315,808.61
- Cafeteria Fund (2 checks 005167-005168) $ 592.22
- HS Activity Fund (1 check 004023) $ 2,320.00
- Capital Fund (2 checks 001809-001810) $ 373,596.56
- General Fund (126 checks 063152-063277) $ 931,545.83
- District Activity AC (103 checks 004762-004864) $ 7,754.00
Total $ 1,315,808.61
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Health & Welfare Services Contract
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the Health & Welfare Services Contract for the 2019-2020 school year with the Newburgh Enlarged City School District at a per student cost of $ 865.84. 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 $2,597.52 (3 students have been verified.)
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 Robertson, 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 stream recorded and can be viewed at www.pinebushschools.org
Deborah A. June, District Clerk
Pine Bush CSD
(Disclosure: Minutes with be printed on numbered minute paper and placed in the district minute books pending return to school).