Pine Bush CSD- Board of Education
Minutes Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 – Pine Bush High School

Members Present:

• Gretchen Meier, President
• Matthew Watkins, Vice President
• Kristi Kheiralla
• Cara Robertson
• Ross Tompkins

Members Absent:

Dori Johnson

Others Present:

• Tim Mains, Superintendent of Schools
• Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business
• Amy Brockner, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
• Angela Wise-Landman, Executive Director of Human Resources, Data and School Counseling
• John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
• Maria Wise, District Clerk
• Approximately 20 staff and community members

 

Call to Order

MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:35 PM

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn Regular Session to Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Tompkins that the Board of Education adjourn regular session to executive session at approximately 6:35 PM.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

Adjourn from Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education adjourn from executive session at approximately 7:07 PM.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by President Meier with the following motion offered:

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 7:13 PM

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Pledge of Allegiance

Board President Meier requested that all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance at approximately 7:13 PM.

Approval of Minutes

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the September 28, 2021, Regular Meeting as submitted by the District Clerk.

YES – 5 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:

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

• Kathleen Broadwell – Teacher Aide
• Michele Rivera – Typist
• Lorelie Bautista-Roman – Typist

 

Abolishment

Instructional

The Board of Education authorized the abolishment of the following position:
(1) 6.0 hr/day Teaching Assistant position

 

Creation

Instructional

The Board of Education authorized the creation of the following position:

(1) 6.5 hr/day Teaching Assistant position

The Board of Education authorized the creation of the following position:

(1) 1.0 FTE 10 month Registered Professional Nurse

 

Resignations

Instructional

• Patrice Butler, AMEND the resignation from her position as a 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher, effective August 30, 2021.
• Jacqueline Coffey, resignation from the position of a 1.0 FTE Teacher – Special Education effective at the close of business on November 5, 2021.

 

Non Instructional

• Michaela Veneziali, AMEND the resignation from her position as a 5.0 hr/day School Monitor, effective September 29, 2021.

 

Appointments

Instructional

• Anne Wohlgemuth, who holds a Teaching Assistant Level I certificate be appointed on probation as a part-time, non-tenure bearing 4.0 hr/day Teaching Assistant, effective October 7, 2021. Salary as per contract
  (pro-rated).

 

Non Instructional

• Marisol Burgos, RESCIND the appointment to a 6.5 hr/day School Monitor position effective August 30, 2021.
• Kathleen Broadwell, probationary appointment to a 6.5 hours/day position of Teacher Aide, effective September 27, 2021, salary as per contract (pro-rated).
  Michele Rivera , probationary appointment as a full-time, 12 month Typist, effective October 18, 2021, at an annual salary as per contract (pro-rated), noting she is certified for such appointment through the Orange County Department of Human Resources.
• Lorelie Bautista-Roman*, probationary appointment as a full-time, 12 month Typist, effective October 29, 2021, at an annual salary as per contract (pro-rated), noting she is certified for such appointment through the Orange County Department of Human Resources.
  *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. The emergency conditional segments of the appointments shall commence as of November 1, 2021 and shall not exceed twenty (20) business days.
• Donna Geidel, temporary appointment as a part-time Covid Planning Specialist at a rate of $50 per hour, effective October 5, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

 

Co-Curricular

Sixth Period Duty

Crispell Middle School

Recommend the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following instructional staff member assigned a duty as an extra sixth period assignment for the 2021-2022 school year at the annual contractual
stipend as per contract:

• Jennifer Muniz

 

Per Diem Substitutes

Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes (or tutor) effective October 13, 2021 or as indicated at board approved per diem substitutes rates:

• Gloria Kessler (8/18/21)
• Nicole Haynes
• Carol Stapinsky
• Bridget Lenane
• Naydene Carmody
• Edlyn Perez*
• Madison Jasko
• Jessica Jones
• Josephine Massaro*

*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. The emergency conditional segments of the appointments shall commence as of October 13, 2021 and shall not exceed twenty (20) business days.

 

Continuing Education

All positions are for instructors, assistants, counselors or lifeguards for continuing education courses for the 2021/2022 school year.  All classes and salaries are contingent upon enrollment.

INSTRUCTOR NAME      CLASS/POSITION          PAY (dependent on enrollment)

• Cailtin Murphy                 Girls Lacrosse Program                      $49-$57/student 
• Jim Licardi                          Girls Lacrosse Program                      $54-$62/student

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of CSE & CPSE Placement Recommendations

Moved by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education placement recommendations as submitted by the CSE & CPSE Chairpersons, and reviewed by Trustee Kheiralla.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

Acknowledge Receipt and Acceptance of External Auditors’ Report

Jennifer Capicchioni was in attendance, Tuesday evening to present to the Board of Education the Audit Report for Year Ending June 30, 2021, including reports on federal awards and extraclassroom activity fund as submitted, and the District’s responses to the management letter, as well as address any questions.

 

Board of Education’s Receipt and Acceptance of Audit Report for Year Ending June 30, 2021 and District Responses.

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education (upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee) officially acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the Audit Report for Year Ending June 30, 2021, including reports on federal awards and extraclassroom activity fund as submitted by Nugent and Haeussler, and the District’s response to the management letter, as submitted.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Overnight Field Trip

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approved the overnight trip request submitted by music teacher Ralph Wagner and acknowledged by Principal Aaron Hopmayer, on behalf of one high school student to travel to Rochester, NY. to be the guitarist in the New York State School Music Association All State Jazz Ensemble. They only select one student from the state to fill this position. This is a huge honor for the student and the district. The conference will take place from December 2, 2021 through December 4, 2021 and held at the Rochester Convention Center. There will be one student and one chaperone participating in this trip, providing a 1:1 student chaperone ratio. The cost is $550 per student which covers meals, lodging and participation fees. This is being paid for with a scholarship from the Music Guild.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Acknowledge Receipt and Acceptance of Donation

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of a donation from Peter Gehres Music Teacher of a USB Scanner for the music department at Circleville Middle School.

And that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of a donation from Superintendent Tim Mains of Magic Dragon Magazine subscription for all four of the elementary schools in the Pine Bush Central School District.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Appointment of Impartial Hearing Officer (IHO)

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education officially approve the appointment of Lynn Botwinik Almeleh of Cedarhurst, NY, as an Impartial Hearing Officer, pertaining a parent request for Due Process.

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Designation / Disposition of Library Books and Equipment

Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education designate and approve the disposition of the following:

Library books as submitted at the request of Lisa Ruyack, Library Media Specialist and submitted by Eric Winter, Principal, as outdated and/or in poor condition beyond repair, therefore, unusable in accordance with Policy #5250 SUBJECT: Disposition of Surplus Property, and authorizes the disposition of the books as submitted under the direction of Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business.

Equipment for disposition as submitted at the request of Lyn Prestia, Director of School Nutrition Services, as outdated and/or in poor condition beyond repair, therefore, unusable in accordance with Policy #5250
SUBJECT: Disposition of Surplus Property, and authorizes the disposition of the following equipment as submitted under the direction of Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business

YES – 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Public Comment

The first public participation segment was opened at approx. 7:25 PM by President Meier. The following were the questions/comments/concerns raised and for complete conversation of this public participation refer to the online video at www.pinebushschools.org (watch board meetings).The second public participation ended at approximately 7:39 PM.

• A community member made American Flag masks for the Board of Education members.
• Comments and questions about children having positive antibodies.
• Concerns about vaccinated students and quarantines
• Comment/concern over leadership in district
• Comments asking parents to attend board meetings
• Questions about the work environment
• Questions and concerns over transportation
• Comment on the parking lots being done well
• Questions about when school and bell schedules will return to regular times

 

Upcoming Board Meetings, Events, Old/New Business and Update

School Board Recognition

In honor or School Board Recognition Week coming up next week October 18-22, School Board Members were recognized this evening by Superintendent Mains and the Pine Bush Administrators Association.

Our upcoming board meetings and events should be announced Tuesday evening.

The start time for the regular sessions of our board meetings – 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

• Tuesday, October 26, 2021, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School
• Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush High School
• Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School

 

Other Meetings:

• NYSSBA Annual Business Meeting (Virtual) Monday, October 18, 2021
• NYSSBA 2021 Virtual School Law Conference Thursday, October 21, 2021, 8:15am- 12:30pm, Friday, October 22, 2021, 8:45am- 11:45am
• NYSSBA 2021 Virtual Member Event Monday, October 25, 2021

 

Old, New Business / Updates

REVIEW: NYSSBA Amendments and Rebuttals to Proposed Resolutions
Trustee Kheiralla read the proposed resolutions and board members discussed.

Superintendent Mains addressed bathroom concerns raised at the last board meeting. He indicated that in all instances when something had been removed from a bathroom everything was replaced within 24 hours. He also addressed the misinformation regarding who the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction is and he clarified information regarding the appointment of the Covid Specialist. He spoke about where we are with the transportation situation and he confirmed that Birnie Bus does have applicants going through the process of becoming bus drivers. He also spoke about the creation of a registered nurse position in district, the testing mandate and informed that a staff survey has been sent out. A brief discussion ensued over Tik Tok and
recommendation that parents should monitor their children’s social media.
Trustee Robertson stated that All Night Graduation is looking to raise $30,000 and fundraising efforts have begun.

 

Business & Finance

Claim Auditor’s Reports

Moved by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education acknowledged receipt and acceptance of the following Claims Auditor’s Reports as submitted:

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0019 dated 9/24/2021 Payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $1,073,439.69

• PR Transactions (12 checks 004410-004421) $ 1,073,439.69

Total $ 1,073,439.69

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0020 check run 9/24/2021 authorizing payments in the amount of $8,101,991.30

• Cafeteria Fund (3 checks 005697-005699) $ 243.39
• Federal Fund Acct (6 checks 002630-002635) 51,120.83
• Captial Fund (8 checks 001905-001912) 5,387,505.88
• General Fund (104 checks 069493-069596) 2,662,333.66
• District Activity AC (2 checks 005753-005754) 787.54

Total $ 8,101,991.30

YES- 5 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED

 

Public Comment

The second public participation segment was opened at approx. 8:23 PM by President Meier. The following were the questions/comments/concerns raised and for complete conversation of this public participation refer to the online video at www.pinebushschools.org (watch board meetings).The second public participation ended at approximately 8:31PM.

• Concerns over quarantining children
• Question about what happened to virtual learning?
• Concerns/Comments over district bringing vaccine clinic in
• Comment that parents should be at board of education meetings

 

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 Tompkins, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting noting the time at approximately 8:31PM.

YES- 5 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).