Minutes Board of Education Meeting  – October 27, 2020

 

Meeting televised Live Streamed remotely with attendance via Google Meet Hangouts as well as in person attendance.   Video and Minutes Posted to Website with Closed Caption.

 

Members Present

• Gretchen Meier, President
• Cara Roberson, Vice President
• Kristin Graessle (via Google Meet)
• Dori Johnson
• Kristi Kheiralla (via Google Meet)
• Ross Tompkins
• Matthew Watkins

 

Members Absent

• None

 

Others Present

• Donna Geidel, Acting 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 (via Google Meet)
• Lisa Hankinson, CVMS Principal
• John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
• James Licardi, Director of Facilities III (via Google Meet)
• Linda Smith, District Communications Representative (via Google Meet)
• John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
• Terri Damon, Owner Representative (via Google Meet)
• Chris Ladani, CPL Team Architect (via Google Meet)
• Deborah June, District Clerk
• Approximately 18 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 Watkins, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately  6:01 PM

YES – 7          NO – 0          MOTION CARRIED

 

Consideration of Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education adjourn public session  to executive session purpose of a personal matter, noting the time at approx. 6:02 PM

YES – 7          NO – 0          MOTION CARRIED

 

BOE Adjourn Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn executive session  to public session, noting the time at approx. 7:06 PM.

YES – 7          NO – 0          MOTION CARRIED

 

Board of Education Resumed Public Session

President Meier called the meeting back to order with the following motion: MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins that the board resume the regular meeting at approximately 7:10 PM. 

 

Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance

President Meier welcomed those in attendance and requested all stand for the Pledge of allegiance.

 

Recognition: SCHOOL BOARD

Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, proclaimed October 19 – 23, 2020 as SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION WEEK in the Empire State.

The Board was recognized for their continued service to the Pine Bush CSD.  Donna Geidel, Acting Superintendent of Schools read the Governor’s proclamation and acknowledgment of the Board of Education.

 

State of New York   –   Executive Chamber Governor’s Proclamation

                                Whereas, each year, School Board Recognition Week is observed by the more than 700 school boards in school districts throughout the Empire State; and 

                                Whereas, our state’s public education system is designed to meet the educational needs of all children and to empower them to become competent, productive contributors to society and an ever-changing world; and

                                Whereas, School Boards are currently facing the unprecedented challenges of a pandemic, while working closely with educators to prepare our children to learn; and

                                Whereas, members of local school boards are dedicated to children, learning, and ommunity, and devote many hours of service to elementary and secondary public education as they continually strive for improvement, excellence, and progress in education, recognizing that all children can be successful learners, especially when education is tailored to the individual needs of the child; and

                                Whereas, local school boards members are strong advocates for public education an  are responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public, and the public’s expectations to the district, by working closely with parents, educational professionals, and other community members; and

                                Whereas, the members of the New York State’s local school boards respond to the educational needs of the communities they serve and help ensure the solid foundation of our school system; in doing so, these leaders help strengthen our state’s educational system and improve future prospects for our children; and

                        Whereas, during October 19 – 23, 2020, special activities and programs will be held in  communities across New York State in observance of School Board Recognition Week and it is fitting to join in acknowledging their commitment and contributions of members of local School Boards;

                Now, Therefore, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim October 19 – 23, 2020 as School Board Recognition Week in the Empire State.

The following motion was then offered by the Board of Education:

MOTION by MOVED by Trustee Johnson and second by Watkins to acknowledge receipt and accept of the State of New York   –   Executive Chamber Governor’s Proclamation

YES  – 7          NO – 0          MOTION CARRIED

 

Following the Governor’s resolution, the Board of Education was thanked and applauded for their service and countless hours of dedication to the Pine Bush Central School District by Donna Geidel, Acting Superintendent of Schools and Lisa Hankinson as the representative for the Pine Bush Administrative Association. Unfortunately, a reception to celebrate this event is not permitted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Approval of Minutes

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the October 13, 2020 regular board meeting submitted by the District Clerk,

YES  – 7          NO – 0          MOTION CARRIED

 

Reports, Recommendations of the Acting Superintendent of Schools

Consent Agenda

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, seconded by Trustee Tompkins, the Board of Education approved the following revised Consent Agenda as submitted by the Acting Superintendent of Schools,

 

Creations

Board authorized the creation of the following positions:

Instructional

• (4) Four 6.5 hours/day Teaching Assistant position, effective November 9, 2020, salary as per contract (current need at hs).

 

Non-Instructional

• (1) One 7.0 hours/day Teacher Aide position, effective November 9, 2020, salary to be determined (current need at cvms).
• (11) Eleven 6.5 hours/day Teacher Aide positions, effective November 9, 2020, salary to be determined (current need at ces/ejr/pak/pbe/cms/cvms/pbhs).

 

Resignation

Non-Instructional

• Lina Walsh, resignation from her position as a  6.5 hours/day School Monitor effective at the close of Business October 23, 2020.

 

Leaves of Absence

Instructional

• Michele Smith, request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 1.00 FTE Teacher-Special  Education effective November 21, 2020 through June 25, 2021.

 

Extracurricular

Board approved the following extracurricular appointments for the 2020-2021 school year at the appropriate extracurricular stipends:

Pine Bush High School:

• Annette Wright, Senior Class Co-Advisor@ Level II, Step 5 (5)
• Alice (Kelly) Cooke, Senior Class Co-Advisor @ Level II, Step 10 (13)
• Michelle Robinson, Honor Society Co-Advisor @ Level IV, Step 1 (2), effective 9/1/2020-11/29/20
• Rebecca Torre, Honor Society Co- Advisor @ Level IV, Step 3 (3), effective 9/1/2020-11/29/20
• Rebecca Torre, Honor Society Advisor @ Level IV, Step 3 (3), effective 11/30/2020
• Chris Passudetti, Newspaper Club @ Level IV, Step 5 (6)
• Nora Callahan, Mock Trial Advisor, Level IV, Step 1 (1)   
• Charlene Webster, Youth & Government Advisor, Level III 10 (17)
• Bobbi Walter, Odyssey of the Mind Coach @ Level III, Step 10 (13)
• Daniel Aktas, Odyssey of the Mind Coach @ Level III, Step 1 (2)

 

Circleville Middle School:

• Holly Shader, Co – National Junior Honor Society Advisor, Level V, Step 10 (14)
• Julie Facciolla, Co – National Junior Honor Society Advisor, Level V, Step 7 (7)
• Winnie Samarel, Co- Yearbook Advisor, Level V, Step 7 (9)
• Angela Gilleo, Co-Yearbook Advisor, Level V, Step 1 (1)
• Samantha Petrosi, Odyssey of the Mind Coach @ Level III, Step 3 (3)
• Garrett Randall, Odyssey of the Mind Coach @ Level III, Step 3 (3) 

 

Crispell Middle School:               

• Lisa Metz, Yearbook Advisor, Level V, Step 10 (15)
• Shannon Meland, National Junior Honor Society, Club Co-Advisor, Level V, Step 7 (8)
• Stephen Charchan, National Junior Honor Society, Club Co-Advisor, Level V, Step 3 (4)
• Stacey Mark, Odyssey of the Mind Coach, Level III, Step 7 (8)
• Matthew Schomber, Odyssey of the Mind Coach @ Level III, Step 3 (3)

 

E. J. Russell Elementary School

• Naomi Bush, Odyssey of the Mind Coach @Level III, 7 (8)

 

Per Diem Substitutes

Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes effective October 28, 2020, or as indicated, at board approved per diem substitutes rates:

• Evdokia Kaloudis
• Bernadette Tymczyszyn effective 10/14/20

 

YES  – 7          NO – 0          MOTION CARRIED

 

CSE and CPSE Placement Recommendation                                       

MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Tompkins, 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 Kheiralla.

Yes – 7                  No – 0                   MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Settlement Agreement

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution for adoption:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Last Chance Agreement between the Pine Bush Central School District, Pine Bush Administrators’ Association and Employee Number 102720, is hereby approved in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement on file. The Acting Superintendent of Schools is hereby authorized to execute the Agreement on behalf of the Board of Education.

        Date: October 27, 2020

Yes – 7          No – 0                   MOTION CARRIED

        Roll Call Vote

• C. Robertson              Yes        
• R. Tompkins      Yes
• K. Graessle                 Yes        
• M. Watkins        Yes
• D. Johnson                  Yes        
• G. Meier             Yes
• K. Kheiralla                  Yes

 

 

No Place for Hate – Promise and Resolution of Respect

Acting Superintendent Donna Geidel spoke about No Place for Hate – Promise and Resolution of Respect followed by  Amy Brockner, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction reading the No Place for Hate Promise and Resolution of Respect for the reaffirmation and commitment as the Board of Education took the pledge.           

(Two motions presented separately).

 

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, seconded by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education reaffirm its commitment to the “No Place for Hate Promise” and approved the following “No Place for Hate Promise,” for adoption as submitted which was submitted by the Acting Superintendent of Schools:

 

 No Place for Hate Promise

I PROMISE, to do my best to treat everyone fairly.

I PROMISE, to do my best to be kind to everyone — even if they are not like me.

IF I SEE someone being hurt or bullied, I will tell a teacher.

EVERYONE should be able to feel safe and happy in school.

I WANT OUR SCHOOL to be No Place for Hate.

Yes – 7          No – 0                   MOTION CARRIED

 

MOVED by Trustee Johnson and second by Trustee Thompkins, that the Board of Education reaffirm its commitment to the “Resolution of Respect,” for adoption as submitted:

Resolution of Respect

We pledge from this day forward to do our best to combat prejudice and to stop those who violate someone’s civil rights. We will seek to understand those who are different. We believe that one person can make a difference and that no person should stand by when it comes to opposing hate. We will speak out against prejudice and discrimination. We will reach out to those who are victims of hate. We know that we must all promote harmony, equality, and respect. By signing the pledge, we commit ourselves to creating a community that is No Place for Hate.

Yes – 7          No – 0                   MOTION CARRIED

 

Roll Call Vote

• C. Robertson              Yes        
• R. Tompkins      Yes
• K. Graessle                 Yes        
• M. Watkins        Yes
• D. Johnson                  Yes        
• G. Meier             Yes
• K.  Kheiralla                 Yes

 

  PRESENTATION: Capital Improvements Project (CIP)

Assistant Superintendent Michael Pacella introduced Terry Damon, Owner Representative for the district with an update regarding our Capital Improvements Project (CIP). A PowerPoint was provided illustrating progress to date.

 Mr. Damon shared that the Crispell ceiling abatement project which was completed August and the roof restoration projects are almost complete. A final inspection at E.J. Russell Elementary School is expected this week. Information was shared about the planning and coordination of the completed work. A review of the authorized initial prioritization work outlines the priority to get ready for the bidding process. Described the information and the order of the work going forward. The phasing and sequencing of the project that is put together remains on target and are on schedule with the phase three project.  The forms and specification have been submitted NYSED and submitted to the construction manager for cost estimating.  The phase three project will start after the first of the year with design.  Building advisory committees for capital review are being formed for group one and group two schools to obtain input for the scope of work; group one schools will begin construction beginning next summer.  We will continue to meet virtually to obtain input on certain scopes of work. Mr. Pacella pointed out there are a total of three projects going on simultaneously.  John Hicks and his team are still very instrumental with Smart Schools Act and the Energy Performance Contract is in full swing.  

 

  Public Participation    

The first public participation segment was open at approx. 7:36 PM requesting no personal references.  The following comments/questions/concerns were raised:

• A resident asked if there was any consideration being given to school being virtual for 2 weeks after Thanksgiving and Winter Recess break due to the pandemic travel restrictions.
  Acting Superintendent provided an explanation per the Chief Administrators’ Meeting recent meeting and, due to the nature of the COVID-19 virus, the consensus was to follow the data and go virtual as it is necessary.
• An employee thanked the administrators for all their hard work to bring the middle and high school students back to school.  Additional inquiry regarding why the surveys sent via student email?  Why are teachers advising students not to return? Why are there substitutes in the buildings as they go to different districts? Assistant Superintendent for Instruction provided an explanation regarding these questions.
• A suggestion was made by Kristi Kheiralla to notify all parents if important information is being sent via student email.
   

Designation / Disposition of Library Books and Equipment

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education designate and approve the disposition of the following books and equipment:

• Library books as submitted at the request of Circleville Middle School Library Media Specialist Robin Renehan and submitted by Lisa Hankinson, 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.
• Library books as submitted at the request of Crispell Middle School Library Media Specialist Lisa Metz and submitted by John Boyle, 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.

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.

 

Regular Board Meetings:

• Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush High School (live stream at www.pinebushschools.org)
• Tuesday, November 24, 2020, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle (live stream at www.pinebushschools.org)

 

Other District Meetings/Events:

• Wednesday, November 11, 2020, Veterans Day, No School

 

Upcoming Events:

NYSSBA’s 2020 Annual Convention & Education Expo

• Tuesday, October 20, 2020 through Saturday, October 31, 2020.

 

OCSBA Delegates’ Meeting – Virtual

• Wednesday, November 4, 2020, 7:00 PM

 

Old/New Business

Kristin Graessle attended the NYSSBA Pre-Law Conference live webinar on October 20, 2020.  The topics were Communication and Employee Communication During a Pandemic both were extremely informative.  Also, Aaron Hopmayer and Officer Boyd, Police Officer with the Town of Crawford Police Dept. partnered with the Department of Motor Vehicle to help students obtain their learners permit here at PBHS. This opportunity provided young people a friendly environment with reduced stress and hope. Their continued commitment to improve the lives of our students is greatly appreciated.

 

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Amy Brockner provided a Return to Learn update.  We are entering the second quarter and elementary families had an opportunity to make changes to their decision of hybrid and virtual.  At this time, we are finalizing this data.  Parents completed the surveys for Grades 7-12 students to participate hybrid and these are some of the approximate numbers of the students who will join the grade 6 students: Pine Bush High School 504 students, Crispell Middle School 246 students, Circleville Middle School 198 students. Transportation was discussed for these students and the C-Tech students.

 

Business & Finance

Claim Auditor’s Reports

MOVED by Trustee Thompkins, 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 # 0020 9/25/20 Payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $1,113,347.83

• Trust & Agency Acct. (12 checks 004206-004217)  $     1,113,347.83   

  Total     $     1,113,347.83

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0021 dated 9/25/2020 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $1,755,695.21

• Crispell SAF (1 check 002347)     $    385.00
• HS Activity Fund (1 check 004320)    $  10,058.00
• Trust & Agency Acct. (0 checks)    $  30,940.00
• CVMS Activity Fund (1 check 001667)   $        3,150.00
• Federal Fund Acct (2 checks 002550-002551) $   22,194.69
• General Fund (75 checks 065206-065280)   $   1,606,109.42
• District Activity AC (165 checks 005509-005673)  $  82,858.10

        Total      $     1,755,695.21

 

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0022 dated 10/2/2020 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $3,670,997.85

• Cafeteria Fund (7 checks 005415-005421)   $   13,207.07
• HS Activity Fund (1 check 4321)     $   58.14
• Trust & Agency Acct. (0 checks)         $  4,237.50
• Capital Fund (10 checks 001833-001842)  $     2,433,932.54
• General Fund (51 checks 065282-065332)    $     1,219,562.60

           Total            $    3,670,997.85

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0023 10/9/20 Payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $870,009.67

• Trust & Agency Acct. (6 checks 004218-004233)   $       870,009.67  

              Total          $    870,009.67

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0024 1/9/20 (actual 10/9/20) check run authorizing payments in the amount of $711,410.94

• Federal Fund (1 check 002552)         $      2,614.00         
• General Fund (62 checks 065333-065394)   $    708,796.94   

               Total   $    711,410.94

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0025 10/16/20 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $546,500.17

• Cafeteria Fund (1 check 005422)      $   57.89                         
• HS Activity Fund (1check 004322)     $  110.00
• Trust & Agency Acct. (0 checks)      $  18,407.42
• Federal Fund (1 check 002553)     $   13,148.34         
• General Fund (56 checks 065395-065450)    $   514,776.52   

                  Total     $   546,500.17

Yes – 7                  No – 0                   MOTION CARRIED

 

District Treasurer’s Reports

MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the following District Treasurer’s Reports/Cash Flow Projection for the period September 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020                     

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 open at approx. 7:53 PM requesting no personal references.  No comments/questions/concerns were raised, however, Acting Superintendent Donna Geidel took an opportunity to explain the need to be mindful of the clubs that are currently being approved as they all need to be virtual and they are.

 

Consideration of Executive Session

Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting  to executive session for continued discussion regarding a personnel matter, noting the time at approximately 7:53 PM.

Yes – 7 No – 0                                 MOTION CARRIED

 

 

Moved by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education return to regular session and adjourn the regular meeting noting the time at approximately 8:16 PM.

Yes –  7                 No – 0                   MOTION CARRIED

 

 

 

 Note: BOARD MEETINGS are video live recorded and can be viewed at www.pinebushschools.org           

Deborah A June (electronically signed/daj)

Deborah A. June, District Clerk Pine Bush CSD

 

Jayna McAteer, Deputy District Clerk

 

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