November 27, 2023
The special meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 5:30 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: Mrs. Messing
Also Present: Ms. Avila and Mr. Conklin
Also Absent: Mrs. Mojica, Mr. Miller and Media (WVT/THR)
PLEDGE TO FLAG
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond called for a motion to move into Executive Session at 5:30 p.m.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board convene to Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations (CSEA) and pending litigation. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
The Board was joined in Executive Session by Attorneys Allison Mathews and Barbara Maisto from Bond, Schoeneck & King.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 7:10 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
November 13, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:36 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: None
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Mrs. Mojica, Mr. Miller, Ms. McGoldrick, Student
Representatives Ms. Ellison, Mr. Nasser, and Ms. Zefi, and approximately
fifty faculty, staff, students and community members in the audience
Also Absent: Media (WVT/THR)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond called for a motion to convene in Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person, a student matter, pending litigation, and contract negotiations under the Taylor Law.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 5:30 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
Director of Security Stephen Ragni was invited to join the Board in Executive Session. Attorneys Neelanjan Choudhury and Alyson Mathews also joined the Board in Executive Session via Zoom.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs.Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:36 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Following the Pledge, Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, public comment, and video streaming/recording of the meeting. He made available a copy of the opening statement/guidelines for public comment for those wishing to speak.
Due to the large number of students in the audience, Mr. Bond noted that the
Extracurricular Club Charter Presentations under New Business on tonight’s Agenda will be moved up and will take place after the High School Student Presentation.
STUDENT PRESENTATION
Valley Central High School High School Principal Dr. Burns introduced Mr. Albert Oritz, High School World Language teacher and students Christy Adames, Harmony Gutierrez, Wren Morales, Maya Powell, Leanna Rodriguez, Kaitlyn Sepulveda and Isaiah Tejada, who offered a presentation on the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute. The overall purpose of the PR/HYLI is student empowerment and the development of leadership skills in Latino/Hispanic youth. Following the presentation, a round of applause was offered.
PRESENTATION OF CLUB CHARTERS:
1. Ski & Snowboard Club – Valley Central High School
2. Everything Adventure Outdoor Club – Valley Central Middle School
3. Fishing Club – Valley Central Middle School
4. Cultural Diversity Club– Valley Central Middle School
Following introduction of this Agenda item, advisors and students offered an overview of the club proposals. These charters will be placed on the December 11th Board Agenda for approval.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMENDATIONS
Ms. Avila and Mr. Bond reviewed the attached correspondence and commendations.
PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as listed and/or attached:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
A. Special Board Meeting Minutes dated 10/23/23
B. Special Board Meeting Minutes dated 11/1/23
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
A. Acceptance of Donations:
1. Valley Central School District – Teacher Grants
Valley Central Education Foundation
2. Valley Central School District – Dictionaries
Walden Rotary Club
3. East Coldenham Elementary School – Peace Pole
Peace Bell Foundation
4. Valley Central Athletic Department – Tennis Walls
Orange County Aces
5. Valley Central Middle School – Davis Shuman & Son Angel Trumpet
Bernard Sciarpelletti
B. Approval of Overnight Trip Requests:
1. Gradus Honoris – High School
2. Music in the Parks Competition – High School
C. Approval of Memorandum of Agreement between Valley Central School District
and the Valley Central Administrators Association
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Acceptance of Resignations:
Instructional
Name /Position/Building /Effective/ Date
1. Dana DeMasi /Social Emotional Mentor/MS /October 30, 2023
Noninstructional
Name /Position/Building /Effective Date
1. Courtney Grogan / (1:1)/MS /November 13, 2023
2. Zeneida Marte/ Food Service Helper/EC /November 3, 2023
3. Christina Zgrodek/ Paraprofessional/EC /October 27, 2023
B. Approval of Leave of Absence:
Instructional
Name/ Position/Building/ Effective Date /Reason
1. Katherine Plitsch /Math Teacher/HS /On or about April 8, 2024
through February 24, 2026
Childcare Leave
C. Approval of Appointments:
Instructional – Probationary
Name/ Position/Building/ Certification /Salary/Schedule/Step/Probationary Term/ Effective/ Date
1. Kalliope Edge /(New Position)/Behavior Intervention Specialist/HS/ Provisional: School Counselor /MA, Step 4 + 12 credits/November 28,
2023 – November 28, 2027/November 28, 2023
2. Brittany Olah/ (Title Change/Committee on Special Education Chairperson(New Position)/District Psychologist (No Change in
Salary)/Permanent: School Psychologist MA60, Step 8 + Stipend/Received Tenure August 25, 2021/October 30,2023/
*To the extent applicable under Education Law Section 3012-d and the accompanying Commissioner’s Regulation, in order to be considered for tenure, teachers and principals appointed to a four-year probationary period must have received an APPR rating of effective or highly effective in three of the four probationary years and must not receive an ineffective in the fourth year.
Instructional – Annual Appointments
Name Position/Building Stipend/Category/Step Effective Date
1. Danielle Freeman /Certified Substitute/Teacher/District/$115.00 per day/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Danielle Fassman
3. Gennine Hauser
4. Colin O’Connell
Home Tutors/District/ $48.00 per hour/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
5. Andrew Maher
6. Colin O’Connell
Non Certified Substitute Teachers/District/$110.00 per day/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
7. Hannah Conklin
8. Michael Stoduto
Edmentum Teachers/ALC/$50.00 per hour/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
9. Wendy Zayas-Morales Check and Connect Mentor/MS/$2,000 stipend/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
10. Kimberly Johnson /Social Emotional /Mentor/MS/$2,000 stipend /2023 – 2024 School Year
Noninstructional
Name/ Position/Building Schedule/Step/ Effective Date
1. Kaitlyn Babcock (Resignation Rep.)/Licensed Practical Nurse/HS SRP (Para), Step 5 + $3,000 LPN Stipend /November 14, 2023
2. Courtney Grogan /(Resignation Rep.)/Paraprofessional/MS SRP (Para), Step 2 /November 14, 2023
3. Brittney Savage/(Resignation Rep.)/Paraprofessional/MS SRP (Para), /Step 1/ November 14, 2023
3. Peter Link/(Resignation Rep.)/Custodial Worker/BES /CSEA (Cust), Step 1/ November 14, 2023
4. Dawn M. Stewart/(Resignation Rep.)/Paraprofessional/MES SRP (Para), Step 4/ November 14, 2023
5. Samira Sahmoune/(I.E.P. Mandate)/Paraprofessional (1:1)/WES SRP (Para), Step 2/ November 14, 2023
Noninstructional – Annual Appointments
Name Position/Building/ Schedule/Step /Effective Dates
1. Lorenzo Vasquez /Substitute Custodial Worker/District/$14.61 per hour/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Amanda O’Donnell
3. Gerri Rosiecki
Substitute Paraprofessional/District/$15.00 per hour /2023 – 2024 School Year
4. Alison Boyce /Substitute RN/District $150.00 per day /2023 – 2024 School Year
Cocurricular Appointments
Name /Position/Building/ Salary /Effective Date
1. Frank Nutt/ Boys Varsity Basketball Coach/District/Category I, Step 8 /2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Michael Kelly/ Boys Asst. Varsity Basketball Coach/District/Category I, Step 6 /2023 – 2024 School Year
3. Adam Sontag Boys JV Basketball Coach/District/Category I, Step 8 /2023 – 2024 School Year
4. Matthew Lennon Boys Modified Basketball Co-Coach/District /Category I, Step 6 (split)/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
5. Paul Sontag/ Boys Modified Basketball Co-Coach/District/Category I, Step 4 (split) 2023 – 2024 School Year
6. Calvin Crawford/ Non-Paid Assistant Basketball Coach/District/N/A/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
7. Ed Rechtorovic /Non-Paid Assistant Basketball Coach/District/N/A/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
8. Jason Saffron/ Non-Paid Assistant Basketball Coach/District/N/A 2023 – 2024 School Year
9. William Michella/ Girls Varsity Basketball Coach/District /Category I, /Step 8 /2023 – 2024 School Year
10. James Gould/ Girls Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach/District /Category I, Step 8 /2023 – 2024 School Year
11. Haliann Fitzgerald /Girls JV Basketball Coach/District /Category I, Step 4 /2023 – 2024 School Year
12. Jayson Amodio/ Girls Modified Basketball Coach/District/Category I, Step 1 /2023 – 2024 School Year
13. Katie Crofoot /Non-Paid Assistant Basketball/ Coach/District/N/A 2023 – 2024 School Year
14. Patricia Stolz /Varsity Cheerleading Coach/District /Category III, Step 8/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
15. Laura Moldoveanu/ JV Cheerleading Coach/District/Category III, Step 2/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
16. Kristen Kresge/ Varsity Gymnastics Coach/District/Category III, Step 3/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
17. Amy Doce/ Assistant Varsity Gymnastics Coach/District/Category III, Step 1 2023 – 2024 School Year
18. Robert Satriano, Jr./ Varsity Wrestling Coach/District/Category I, Step 4 2023 – 2024 School Year
19. Jordan Robles/ Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach/District/Category I, Step 8 /2023 – 2024 School Year
20. Robert Leonard/ JV Wrestling Coach/District Category I, Step 8/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
21. Hussain Hasan Modified Wrestling Coach/District/Category I, Step 1/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
22. Edward Vass Non-Paid Assistant Wrestling Coach/District/N/A 2023 – 2024 School Year
23. Matt Rechtorovic Non-Paid Assistant Wrestling Coach/District/N/A 2023 – 2024 School Year
24. Allison Borriello/ Girls Varsity Indoor Track Coach/District/Category III, Step 5/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
25. Patrick Kemp/ Boys Varsity Indoor Track Coach/District/Category III, Step 8 /2023 – 2024 School Year
26. Stephen Smith/ Assistant Indoor Track Coach/District/Category III, Step 5/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
27. Brendan Sutta/ Assistant Indoor Track Coach/District/Category III, Step 4/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
28. Thomas Plitsch /Boys Varsity Swimming Coach/District/Category I, Step 8 2023 – 2024 School Year
29. Katie Farrugia/ Boys Assistant Varsity Swimming Coach/District/Category I, Step 3 2023 – 2024 School Year
30. Kaitlyn Troy/ Boys Assistant Varsity Swimming Coach/District/Category I, Step 3 2023 – 2024 School Year
31. James Frisbie/ Non-Paid Assistant Swimming Coach/District/N/A 2023 – 2024 School Year
32. Paul Berkowitz /Varsity Strength Coach/District/Category IV, Step 8/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
33. Hussain Husan/ Elementary Wrestling Intramurals/District /$48.00 per hour/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
34. Colette Jurman/ Elementary Volleyball Intramurals/District/$48.00 per hour /2023 – 2024 School Year
VI. REPORTS
A. Student Representatives
Student Representatives Lilly Ellison, Dylan Nasser and Elizabeth Zefi shared student suggestions and feedback from the High School students, as well as information on activities at the High School including club events, athletic contests, the Senior Tea, the Homecoming dance, and the Senior picture for the yearbook.
B. Superintendent of Schools
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Ms. Avila provided information on the her visits with the local senior citizen groups, Homecoming events, the Dictionary Project sponsored by the Walden Rotary Club, a Business Council of Greater Montgomery Annual Event on November 2nd, the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee on November 8th, and the Veteran’s Memorial Dedication on November 9th, free breakfast and lunch for all students
beginning December 1st, and plans for sports team fundraising monies.
C. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mrs. Mojica shared highlights of the professional development on Superintendent’s Conference Day on November 7th and the administrator’s recent visits to the schools.
D. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Mr. Miller had no report this evening.
E. School Business Official
Mr. Conklin was not able to attend this evening’s meeting.
F. NYSSBA Annual Business Meeting – October 16, 2023
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and turned the floor over to Mrs. Terralavoro, the NYSSBA Delegate, who reported on the propositions voted on at the NYSSBA Annual Business
Meeting.
G. Guidance Advisory Committee – October 25, 2023
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mrs. Terralavoro shared a summary of the meeting. Topics included efforts to address chronic absenteeism and increase student attendance and follow up from a recent American School Counselor Association meeting.
H. Health & Safety Committee – November 1, 2023
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Ms. McKnight shared some discussion items from the meeting, such as cell phone coverage in the District, vape detectors, and threat assessments.
I. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee – November 8, 2023
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia reported that the
Committee reviewed the recent Heritage Month celebrations and discussed the ongoing work of the Committee.
J. Community Participation
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Board members commented on events that they had participated in or attended recently, including the Shakespeare drama production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Honor Society Inductions, the Veterans Memorial Dedication, the PTO Art Expo at Walden Elementary School, a Valley Central Education Foundation meeting, the Senior/Faculty Tea, and athletic events.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was one request for public comment this evening:
Richard Doubel – Metal Detectors
OLD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Club Charters:
1. Go Green Club – Berea Elementary School
2. Morgan’s Message Club – Valley Central High School
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion to approve the above listed club charters. Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Go Green Club Charter at Berea Elementary School and the Morgan’s Message Club at the High School be approved, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
NEW BUSINESS
A. Presentation of Club Charters:
1. Ski & Snowboard Club – Valley Central High School
2. Everything Adventure Outdoor Club – Valley Central Middle School
3. Fishing Club – Valley Central Middle School
4. Cultural Diversity Club– Valley Central Middle School
These presentations took place earlier this evening.
B. Approval of 2024-2025 Budget Planning Calendar
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the budget planning calendar provided to the Board, and called for a motion.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the 2024-2025 budget planning calendar be approved, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
C. Approval of 2023-2024 District Internal Audit:
Nugent & Haeussler, P.C. Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the Internal Audit recommendation for the 2023-2024 school year provided to the Board, and called for a motion. Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the 2023-2024 Internal Audit be approved, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
D. Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council of Orange County
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the Agreement provided to the Board, and called for a motion. Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Agreement between Valley Central School District and the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council of Orange County be
approved, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond noted a need for the Board to convene in Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and contract negotiations under the Taylor Law. He noted that no action will be taken after Executive Session and the meeting will be adjourned.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 7:42 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 8:35 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Fox Pizzonia seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
November 1, 2023
The special meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 5:07 p.m. by President Joseph Bond
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Revoir and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: Mrs. Samuelson
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Mr. Conklin and Ms. McGoldrick
Also Absent: Mr. Miller, Mrs. Mojica and Media (WVT/THR)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond noted the need to convene in Executive Session to discuss the potential employment of a particular person.
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 5:00 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 5:05 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, and audio taping of the meeting.
PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as listed and attached.
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION
A. Approval of Appointment:
Administrative
Name Position/Building Pay Rate Effective Date Certifications
1. Dolores Terlecky (Per Diem Substitute)/Acting Principal/
Walden Elementary School/$715.00 per day/November 3, 2023
– January 2, 2024 or on date to be determined/Permanent: School District
Leader, English 7-12, Social Studies 7-12, Spanish 7-12
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 5:09 p.m.