Pine Bush Board of Education –May 26, 2020
BUDGET HEARING AND 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
- Dan Petigrow, School District Counsel
- John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
- Linda Smith, Communications Rep
- Deborah June, District Clerk
- Angela Wise, Executive Director for Human Resources, Data, and Counseling
- Tasha Butler, Board Candidate and Resident
- Approximately 1 resident/students/staff members
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Gretchen Meier with the following motion offered:
MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:04 PM
YES – 7 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 Attorney-Client Privilege, Vendor Contract, Employee Contracts, Superintendent Evaluations, Potential Land Acquisition.
YES – 7 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 6:58 PM.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Regular Session Resumes / Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance
MOVED by Trustee Watkins second by Trustee Graessle that the Board of Education resume the regular session of the meeting noting the time at approximately 7:08 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.
School Budget Hearing (Proposed 2020-2021 Budget and Introduction of Candidates)
Presentation: School Budget Hearing – Proposed 2020-2021 School District Budget
Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Superintendent Tim Mains provided a PowerPoint presentation for Tuesday’s School Budget Hearing. The Proposed 2020-2021 budget materials, are also available for the public. 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. The Line Item Budget and Property Tax Report Card can also be viewed on the district website.
Some of the highlights of the PowerPoint provided included the following:
2020-2021
Proposed Budget
Property Tax Report Card
Public Hearing
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 2020-2021 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 2020-2021 NOT Included:
- 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:
- 1.0 FTE – Social Worker
- 2.0 FTE – Behavioral Aides
- 1.0 FTE – ENL Teacher
- .5 FTE – Music Teacher
- 1.0 FTE – Elementary Spec. Ed. Teacher (ABLE class)
- 2.0 FTE – Teacher Assistants (ABLE class)
- 1.0 FTE – Occupational Therapist (ABLE class)
Reductions:
- 1.0 FTE – Elementary Teacher (through attrition)
- 1.0 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:
Budget 2019-2020 Proposed 2020-2021 Percentage Change
Total budgeted amount: $118,775,551 $121,587,157 2.37%
Proposed tax levy to support budget $ 61,604,219
Permissible exclusions $ 1,058,976
Total allowable tax levy limit $ 62,204,219
Tax Levy $ 60,054,950 $ 61,604,219 2.58%
Public school enrollment 4,926 4,856 – 1.42%
Consumer Price Index 1.81%
Project 2019-2020 Estimated 2020-2021
Adjusted Restricted Fund Balance $ 9,195,000 $ 10,195,000
Assigned Appropriated Fund Balance $ 474,243 $ –
Adjusted Unrestricted Fund Balance $ 4,870,000 $ 4,900,000
Unrestricted FB as a Percentage of Budget 4.10% 4.03%
In conclusion, the following reminder was provided:
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.
Mr. Mains and Mr. Pacella were thanked for their presentation of the Proposed Budget and Tax Report Card for the Budget Hearing.
Questions & Answers Period on Budget – Public Participation
Following the budget presentation, the meeting was open for public comments/questions on the proposed budget. Some of the questions/comments offered (and addressed, if possible, by administration) included the following:
- During these difficult times, thank you for all the district has done;
- Is the district looking to drive people out of Pine Bush, tax increases getting out of hand;
- What is district doing to reduce out of district special education placements? ABLE classes back to district?
- What is the district doing to reduce retirement costs?
- What will happen to funds to be used for summer academies??
- Thank you to BOE during difficult times, district has done a good job to balance district needs;
- District needs bold changes, major cuts needed;
- Thank you for maintaining current programs, we support;
- With Covid19, what is district doing to refund $$ to residents. School bldgs. not being utilized, as well as busing. Taxpayers need refunds of tax dollars.
- District is doing a great job, education continues;
- How has the proposed Capital Project funds been spent?
- It is important that we pass the budget;
- Understand development of budget is difficult;
- This is a new world with distance learning and commends the district for creating a sense of normalcy and distributing chrome books to families;
- So impressed with district’s distribution of chrome books, supplies, and food;
- Commends superintendent, board, teachers, and staff and all PB Schools. Mr. Mains true level headed voice;
- Why do you need to know all the stuff, if you have it all;
- So proud of Pine Bush, district has done a terrific job;
- Support passing the budget (one chance, and if not, forced into contingency);
- Praise is due, so impressed with information provided, creativity of teachers, food service etc., Mr. Mains informative;
- Special thanks to BOE, Mr. Mains, teachers and staff for united support;
- Thank you BOE for putting forth a smart budget w/ minimal impact to taxpayers;
- Quite impressed with 2020-21 budget, as well as, virtual learning for students and keeping proposed budget under tax cap;
- Recognize and appreciate all that has been done and how the district rose to the challenge. Fully support;
- ·Regarding potential increase to taxpayers, may have lost jobs, it is irresponsible to propose a budget with an increase in taxes;
- Thank you for your time, energy, and hard work—support the budget;
- Concern regarding the music program, keep as a priority during this difficult time, can we find a way to continue and make it work (clarification provided);
- Comments re: Implementation of virtual online learning and BOE commended for not cutting programs;
- Comments regarding STARS, do not cut STARS—top notch program;
- If budget doesn’t pass will we receive funding??(Supt: district will be forced to go to contingency budget);
- Thank you PB for adapting to home school option.
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 Vote and School Board Election held on June 9, 2020. The terms of office for the two (2) seats that will be available (due to the expiration of terms of office of Kristi Kheiralla and Cara Robertson as of June 30, 2020) are for three years commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023.
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 June 9th ballot, listed in alphabetical order per the Governor’s Executive Order.
- Tasha T. Butler
- Kristi Kheiralla
- Cara Robertson
Approval of Minutes
MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the May 12, 2020, regular meeting as submitted by the District Clerk.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent
Consent Agenda
MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education approve the following revised Consent Agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools:
Resignations
Instructional
- Stacy Antonelli, resignation from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher – Kindergarten, effective at the close of business on June 30, 2020.
- Lorraine Guagenti, resignation for the purpose of retirement, from her position as a 7.0 hours/day Teaching Assistant, effective at the close of business on June 26, 2020.
- Brian Zambrzycki, resignation from his position as a 1.0 FTE School Psychologist, effective at the close of business on July 28, 2020.
Non-Instructional
- Michael Schusler, resignation of for the purpose of retirement, from his position as a 1.0 FTE Custodial Worker effective at the close of business July 13, 2020.
Leave of Absences
Instructional
- Jessica Herb 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, to be designated as Teacher on Special Assignment –Elementary Educational Technology Specialist.
Appointments
Non-Instructional
Designation of Election Inspectors
Board approval of the following resolution for the designation and approval of election inspectors and chief inspector/deputy chief inspector as submitted for the June 9, 2020 Annual District Meeting (Budget Vote and Election of Board Members), effective May 27, 2019:
BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to Governor’s Order 202.26 requiring that the Annual School District Budget Vote and Election be held by absentee ballot only, the Board of Education hereby appoints staff of the Pine Bush Central School District as election inspectors for the June 9, 2020 annual school district budget vote and election of school board members (staff salary as per contract), as well The Board of Education also appoints the following individuals (non-staff salary at $15 per hour) and designation of Chief Inspector and Deputy Chief Inspector:
Additional Election Inspectors:
- Marilyn Hoffman
- Kathleen (KC) Devries
- Trini Giagiakos
- Rose Albert
- Debbie Miller
- Rebecca Howell
- Kathleen Selear
- Joann Sileo
- Don Sileo
- Julie Szulewski
- Peter Szulewski
- Carmen Lucinares
- Christopher Carberry
- Michael Carberry
- Elaine Gaynor*
- Designation of Chief Inspector:
- Jayna McAteer, Chief Inspector
- Maria Wise, Deputy Chief Inspector
Per Diem Substitutes
Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as a per diem substitutes &/or tutor effective May 27, 2020 at board approved per diem substitute rates:
- Donna Boncek
- Lorraine Guagenti
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval CSE/CPSE Placement Recommendations
MOVED by Trustee Graessle, 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 Chairpersons and reviewed by Trustee Graessle.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PBTA
MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education (“Board”) of the Pine Bush Central School District (“District”) does hereby approve the Memorandum of Agreement (associated with Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Assistant spring coaching stipends for the 2019-2020 school year) between the District and The Pine Bush Teachers’ Association (“Union”), as attached hereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Superintendent to Execute said agreement Between the District and the Union pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement on file with the District Clerk.
Date: May 26, 2020
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Local 74 United Services Worker Union
MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education (“Board”) of the Pine Bush Central School District (“District”) does hereby approve the Memorandum of Agreement (associated with pay during school closure between May 26, 2020 until June 30, 2020) between the District and Local 74 United Services Workers Union (“Union”), specific to Operations and Maintenance, Clerical, and Food Service Staff, dated May 26, 2020, as attached hereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Superintendent to Execute said agreement Between the District and the Union pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement on file with the District Clerk.
Date: May 26, 2020
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
BOE Amend Agenda to Include Additional Resolution to Appeal the IHO Decision
MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education amend the agenda to include the additional resolution regarding authorization to appeal the Impartial Hearing Officer Decision.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Board Authorization to Appeal Impartial Hearing Officer Decision
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Pine Bush CSD Board of Education approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District hereby authorizes its attorneys to appeal to the Office of State Review the Decision and Order of the impartial hearing officer, dated May 13, 2020, in the impartial hearing identified as case number 530322 in the State Education Department’s Impartial Hearing Reporting System.
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of New Policy 5676 for Second Reading/Adoption
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education approve New Policy 5676 for second reading and adoption:
Policy 5676 – Privacy and Security for Student Data and Teacher and Principal Data – Adoption
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval to Abolish Policy
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the abolishment of Policy 7243, per the approval of policy 5676.
- Policy 7243 – Student Data Breaches – Abolishment
YES – 7 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Upcoming Board Meetings, Events / Old, New Business / Updates
Upcoming board meetings and events were announced Tuesday evening:
The start time for the regular sessions of our board meetings – 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Board Meetings:
☐ Wednesday, June 10, 2020, 7:00 PM via live stream (rescheduled from June 9, 2020)
☐ Tuesday, June 23, 2020, 7:00 PM via live stream
☐ LAST DAY OF SCHOOL: Full Day for Staff / Half Day for Students
Students: June 12, 2020
Teachers/Support Staff: June 18, 2020
☐ PBHS Graduation Celebrations
June 26, 2020, 7:00 PM, Virtual Graduation
June 27, 2020, 10 AM, Parade of Graduates
☐ Middle and Elementary Schools Moving Up Celebrations
E.J. Russell Elementary School: June 16, 2020, 10:00 AM, Moving Up Day Video Slide Show
Circleville Elementary School: June 18, 2020, 9:00 AM, Moving Up Day Video Slide Show
Pakanasink Elementary School: June 19, 2020, 9:30 AM, Moving Up Day Video Slide Show
Pine Bush Elementary School: June 22, 2020, 10:00 AM, Moving Up Day Video Slide Show
Circleville Middle School: June 23, 2020, 10:00 AM, Moving Up Day Video Slide Show
Crispell Middle School: June 23, 2020, 12:00 PM, Moving Up Day Video Slide Show
☐ Tentative Schedule Summer Board Meetings:
Please see below summer meeting schedule, noting summer meetings are held at district office at 7 PM, unless posted otherwise or live-streamed if necessary due to Executive Orders.
July: Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 7 PM, Reorganization & Regular Meeting
Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 7 PM, Reorganization & Regular Meeting
August: Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Regular Board Meeting
Date for Board Reorganizational Meeting
It was confirmed, the Reorganizational meeting is currently scheduled for July 14, 2020. Current board members and potential board member confirmed their availability.
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.
Ballots must be received no later than June 9, 2020 at 5 PM.
Update: Superintendent Mains provided an update regarding Census 2020
Business & Finance
Claim Auditor’s Reports
MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education acknowledge
receipt and acceptance of the following Claims Auditor’s Reports as submitted:
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0071 dated 05/8/2020 check run authorizing
payments in the amount of $ 186,195.06
Cafeteria Fund (7 checks 005169-005175) $ 18,585.69
HS Activity Fund (1 check 004024) 195.00
General Fund (53 checks 063278-063330) 157,925.37
District Activity AC (251checks 004765-005115) 9,489.00
Total $ 186,195.06
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0072 dated 5/8/20 payroll authorizing payments in
the amount of $ 894,084.99
TRUST & AGENCY ACCT. (5 checks 004150-004154) $ 884,084.99
Total $ 894,084.99
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0073 dated 5/15/20 check run authorizing payments
In the amount of $ 2,477,037.65
Cafeteria Fund (5 checks 005176-005180) $ 6,606.98
Crispell SAF (1 check 002339) 507.60
HS Activity Fund (40 checks 004025-004064) 5,385.50
Trust & Agency (0 checks) 16,810.35
General Fund (72 checks 063331-063402) 2,446,039.22
District Activity AC (84 checks 005116-005199) 1,688.00
Total $ 2,477,037.65
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0074 dated 5/15/20 scholarships authorizing
payments in the amount of $ 300.00
HS Activity Account (2 checks 004065-004066) $ 300.00
Total $ 300.00
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0075 dated 5/15/20 Payroll Health Buyout
authorizing payments in the amount of $ 97,336.91
TRUST & AGENCY ACCT. (0 checks) $ 97,336.91
Total $ 97,336.91
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED (C. Robertson left at approx.. 8:46 pm)
Approval of Energy Purchasing Resolution 2020-2021
MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the
following resolution for adoption for the 2020-2021 school year:
WHEREAS, the Pine Bush Central School District is participating, with other Rockland and Orange County School Districts, in cooperative bids for the purchase of electricity and natural gas, sponsored by the Rockland County BOCES; and
WHEREAS, the bidding procedures comply in every respect with the requirements established by the General Municipal Law; and
WHEREAS, the electricity and natural gas markets are highly volatile and prompt action is required to secure the benefit of the lowest possible rates; and
WHEREAS, the delay in waiting for formal action by this Board may result in the loss of the bid prices; and
WHEREAS, the Board believes that it can establish reasonable limits on the power of the Superintendent to act in the Board’s name and authority, subject to later ratification by this Board;
NOW, THEREFORE, upon the approval by the Pine Bush CSD Board of Education with a motion and a second, it is
RESOLVED that this Board hereby delegates to the Superintendent of Schools the authority to accept bids for electricity and natural gas submitted pursuant to the cooperative bid on the following conditions:
a. The annual ceiling price bid for electricity is 8.0¢ per kWh or less;
b. The annual ceiling price bid for natural gas Basis is $4.00/mmBtu ; [1]
c. The annual ceiling price for natural gas commodity at the NYMEX Henry Hub is $3.95/mmBtu or less; and it is further
RESOLVED that the Superintendent is to report to this Board, in writing, within 24 hours any
action he has taken pursuant to this resolution; and it is further
RESOLVED that this delegation of authority may be revoked at any time by action of this Board.
[1] This cost is for the transmission of gas.
Date: May 26, 2020
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED ( A brief conversation ensued amongst board members).
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 Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting, noting the time at approx. 8:59 PM.
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Deborah A June (electronically signed/daj)
Note: BOARD MEETINGS are video live stream recorded Deborah A. June, District Clerk
and can be viewed at www.pinebushschools.org Pine Bush CSD
(Disclosure: Minutes with be printed
on numbered minute paper and
placed in the district minute books
pending return to school).