February 28, 2023
The special meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 5:00 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: None
Also Present: Ms. Avila and Mr. Conklin
Also Absent: Ms. Serratore, Mr. Miller and Media (WVT/THR)
PLEDGE TO FLAG
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond called for a motion to move into Executive Session at 5:00 p.m.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board convene to Executive Session to discuss safety and security matters that will imperil the public safety if disclosed. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Director of Facilities Ryan Schmidt, Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness Stephen Ragni, Thomas Ritzenthaler from CSArch, and William Devine from The Palombo Group joined the Board in Executive Session.
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:48 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 6:49 p.m.
February 13, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:32 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: None
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Ms. Serratore, Mr. Miller, Mr. Conklin, Ms. McGoldrick,
Student Representatives Ms. Ellison, Ms. Wolven and Ms. Vega, and
approximately forty faculty, staff, students and community members in the
audience
Also Absent: Media (THR/WVT)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond called for a motion to convene in Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular personnel, contract negotiations under the Taylor Law, and a student matter.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 5:30 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:31 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, public comment, and video recording of the meeting. He made available a copy of the opening statement/ guidelines for public comment for those wishing to speak this evening. He thanked Craig Henrie from the Technology Department for videoing and streaming tonight’s Board
meeting.
STUDENT PRESENTATION
Berea Elementary School
Third grade students from Berea shared a presentation based upon their “Communities Around The World” project. The students have been learning about how each country around the world embodies its history, values and culture in its flags, seals and emblems. After the students learned about the United States flag and the symbols that represent our country, they were given
the task to create and design their own classroom flag that would represent how they feel about their classroom. Each flag was uniquely designed to incorporate a variety of symbols and colors. Each symbol and color they selected represented something meaningful about their classroom community.
The following students took part in the presentation:
Ariana Ortiz
Simon Reilly-Frank
Madeline DeVito
Olivia Strobach
Harrison Lour
Matthew Ramaglia
Olivia Quinlan
Charlotte Grazier
Emeliya Ruiz
The principal, teachers and students were thanked for their presentation and a round of applause was offered.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMENDATIONS
Mr. Bond and Ms. Avila reviewed the attached correspondence and commendations.
PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion. Tonight’s agendaincludes an Addendum Agenda (attached).
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the following Consent Agenda beapproved, as listed and/or attached:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated 1/9/23
B. Special Board Work Session Minutes dated 1/30/23
FINANCIAL REPORTS
A. Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report for December
B. Acceptance of Expenditure Budget Status Report for December
C. Acceptance of Revenue Budget Status Report for December
D. Acceptance of Record of Claims for December
E. Acceptance of Extraclassroom Report for December
F. Acceptance of Cafeteria Profit and Loss Report for December
G. Acceptance of Investment Report for December
H. Approval of General Fund Budget Transfer for December
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
A. Acceptance of Donations:
1. Valley Central School District – Monetary Donation
Hannaford Supermarket
2. Valley Central School District – Monetary Donation
St. Andrews Episcopal Church Women
B. Approval of Overnight Trip Requests:
1. Middle School – Family & Consumer Science FCCLA Competition
2. High School – Science Research
3. High School – JROTC
4. High School – NYS Math League Meet
C. Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and the Valley Central Teachers Association [Addendum]
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Approval of Tenure Recommendation:
It is recommended that the following staff member be granted tenure:
School Name Tenure Area Effective Date
Berea Amy Doce Elementary Education March 1, 2023
B. Acceptance of Termination:
Noninstructional
Jazmin Hidalgo, Paraprofessional (1:1), Valley Central High School, effective February 3, 2023
C. Acceptance of Resignations:
Noninstructional
Meghan Ballard, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Valley Central Middle School, effective January 31, 2023
Linda Baker, Registered Professional Nurse (School), Valley Central School District, effective February 24, 2023
Helen Martin, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 28, 2023
Eulamae Leath, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective January 26, 2023
Emily Prior, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Berea Elementary School, effective February 24, 2023 [Addendum]
Extracurricular
Mary Rodriguez, Math Club Advisor, p/t, Walden Elementary School, effective September 1, 2022
D. Approval of Leave of Absence:
Instructional
Erin Thomas, School Counselor, Valley Central School District, for childcare purposes, effective February 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023
Noninstructional
Lisa Pedersen, Food Service Helper, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023 through a date to be determined
E. Approval of Appointments:
Instructional
Caitlin Pastore, certified as a School Counselor, appointed as a Guidance
Counselor (Regular Substitute) effective September 30, 2022 through May 31, 2023
After School Tutors, p/t, Valley Central High School, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Purposeful Play Program Staff, p/t, Berea Elementary, East Coldenham
Elementary, Montgomery Elementary and Walden Elementary Schools, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Attached Listings
Before School Program Staff, p/t, Berea Elementary School, effective February 14, 2023 through June 30, 2023 – See Attached Listing
Kelsey Deavor, Before School Elementary Reading and Math Program, p/t, East Coldenham Elementary School, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year
Mara Costagliola, Substitute Tutor, p/t, McKinney-Vento Grant Staff, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year
Substitute Teachers/Home Tutor, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Courtney Hank, Purposeful Play Substitute, p/t, Walden Elementary School, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year
Noninstructional
Kyle Knibbs, Groundskeeper, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
Gissel Maldonado, Food Service Helper, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 16, 2023
Maria Aguirre Del Rio, Custodial Worker, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
Anila Zindani, Registered Professional Nurse (School), Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
Janifer Nolte, Volunteer for After School Program (Tuesdays), Valley Central Middle School, effective February 14, 2023 through June 30, 2023
Tara O’Connor, Food Service Helper, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
Tina Canavan, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
Samantha Sladeski, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
Melissa Jarer, Paraprofessional (1:2), p/t, Berea Elementary School, effective February 14, 2023
Debbie Moakley, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
Amy Pittner-Rico, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
David Jennings, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, East Coldenham Elementary School, effective February 14, 2023
Clara Wilson, Food Service Helper, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
Emily Forgione, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 14, 2023
Substitute Paraprofessionals, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Emily Prior, Paraprofessional (Tutoring Coordinator), p/t, Valley Central School District, effective February 27, 2023 [Addendum]
Extracurricular
District Event Photographers, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Crazy 8s Advisors, p/t, Berea Elementary School, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Cocurricular
Aquatic Staff, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Spring 2023 Coaching and Non-Paid Coaching Assignments, p/t, Valley Central School District – See Separate Listing
Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
REPORTS
A. Student Representatives
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited the Student Representatives to present their reports. Ms. Wolven, Ms. Ellison and Ms. Vega shared information on events at the High School, including club activities, sporting events, fundraising activities, and various honor society events. The Student Representatives were thanked for their report.
B. Superintendent of Schools
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Ms. Avila updated the Board and those in the audience on her entry plan, which includes introductory meetings and attendance at events throughout the District and community.
C. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Ms. Serratore reported on plans for summer school and enrichment programs.
D. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Miller provided information on staff recruitment and an upcoming job fair at Orange-Ulster BOCES.
E. School Business Official
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Conklin noted that under New Business this evening, the Board will be asked to consider an amendment to a resolution adopted last May that authorized the use of grant funds received by the District to pay for Capital Projects. The adoption of the amended resolution will authorize the District to use ARPA grant funds, as well as funds from the CRRSA grant, to pay for the project. Mr. Conklin referenced the FS10 amendments provided to the Board and noted that these amendments reflect changes since the original grant applications were filed and are due to changing District needs and stakeholder feedback received at Board of Education meetings. These items include the hiring of a Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness and a Social Emotional Support Specialist to enhance District safety and security, as well as an additional ELL teacher to address learning loss and provide services to an increasing population of ELL students that have moved into the District. These grant amendments also include necessary ventilation improvements that comport with current recommendations received from NYSED regarding CRSSA funded construction projects with ventilation components. Due to long lead times on ventilation equipment, the funding is being changed to the ARPA grant, which runs for an additional year. These grant amendments will be submitted to the State and posted on the District’s website after the Board’s approval. Mr. Devine from The Palombo Group then provided an update on the status of the Capital Project.
F. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee – January 24, 2023
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Ms. McKnight provided a summary of the meeting and updated the Board and those in the audience on the work of the Committee.
G. Health & Safety Committee – January 24, 2023
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mrs. Messing, the Board liaison, spoke about the topics discussed at the meeting, including student discipline and security measures.
H. OCSBA Meetings – January 11, 2023 & February 1, 2023
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mrs. Messing and Mrs. Terralavoro updated the Board on the meetings, which included discussions on legislative priorities and current issues impacting school districts.
I. NYSSBA Capital Conference – February 10, 2023
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Board members shared some highlights from this year’s conference.
J. Community Participation
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Board members commented on recent events that they had participated in or attended, including athletic events, student/parent workshops, a Valley Central Education Foundation meeting, a PTA Council meeting, Walden Elementary School’s DARE graduation, Montgomery Elementary School’s drama club presentation of Matilda, Jr., Walden Elementary School’s Winter Concert, the Middle School’s drama club presentation of Dear Edwina, Jr., a VC21 meeting, and a Leadership Orange event on education.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no requests for public comment this evening.
OLD BUSINESS
A. 2023-2024 Budget Presentation:
Superintendent’s and Board’s Budget Initiatives
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Conklin reviewed key dates in the 2023- 2024 budget vote and Board election timeline. Ms. Serratore presented information on curriculum and instruction programs currently in place and plans for next school year. Mr. Miller spoke about employee recruitment and retention initiatives. Ms. Avila spoke about aligning the Board’s goals with District initiatives that will best serve the students, staff and the community. Mr. Conklin provided an overview of recommendations for facility improvements in the 2023-2024 school year.
The Board members were invited to ask questions and provide feedback on what initiatives they would like to see in the budget for next year.
The detailed budget presentation will be presented at the Board meeting on March 13th.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Adoption of 2023-2024 Student Calendar
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion.
Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board adopt the 2023-2024 student calendar, as presented and attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
B. Modification of 2022-2023 Student Calendar
This Agenda item was removed from consideration this evening.
C. Approval of Memorandum of Agreement between Valley Central School District and the Valley Central Nutritional Staff Association
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the attached Memorandum of Agreement between Valley Central School District and the Valley Central Nutritional Staff Association, and called for a motion. Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement, as presented and attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
D. Adoption of Resolution:
1. Student 2023-1 Discipline Appeal
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion. Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board uphold the Superintendent’s decision and suspension of Student #2023-1 issued pursuant to an Education
Law §3214 Superintendent Hearing. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
E. Approval of Club Charter:
Crazy 8s Math Club – Berea Elementary School
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion. Mrs. Revoir moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the Crazy 8s Math
Club at Berea Elementary School, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
F. Approval of Course Proposals:
1. High School – Sports and Entertainment Marketing
2. High School – Music Technology
3. ALC – Senior Seminar
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the proposals from Dr. Burns and Mrs. Patchen, and called for motions. Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board approve the High School Sports and Entertainment Marketing course, as presented and attached. Voting YES:
Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board approve the High School Music Technology course, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve the ALC Senior Seminar course, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
G. Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and
The Westchester School
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement between the Valley Central School District and The Westchester School, and called for a motion. Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the agreement between the Valley Central School District and The Westchester School, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
H. Appointment of Committee Member/Board Liaison: Wellness Committee
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to appoint Mrs. Revoir as the Wellness Committee Member/Liaison and Mrs. Samuelson as the Alternate Wellness Committee Member/Liaison for the 2022-2023 school year.
I. Adoption of Resolution:
Capital Improvement Project – Use of CRRSA and ARPA Funds
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. He referenced the resolution amending the May 23, 2022 resolution to permit both CRSSA and ARPA funds received by the District to pay for the Capital Improvement Project, and called for a motion. Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board adopt the resolution, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Revoir moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting
YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m.