October 23, 2023
DRAFT
Board of Education
Special Meeting
Monday, October 23, 2023
Administration Building
6:00 p.m.
The special meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:03 p.m. by President Joseph Bond
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: Mrs. Revoir
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Mr. Miller, Mr. Conklin, Mrs. Mojica and approximately twenty five students, staff and members of the community in the audience
Also Absent: Media (WVT/THR)
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, and videotaping/streaming of the meeting.
EXTRACURRICULAR CHARTER CLUB PRESENTATIONS:
A. Go Green Charter Club – Berea Elementary School
B. Cultural Diversity Charter Club – Middle School
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Berea Elementary School teacher Kristina Storaska offered a presentation on the Go Green Charter Club for Berea Elementary School and Middle School teacher Andrea Cadena presented the Cultural Diversity Charter Club.
The presenters were thanked for their presentation and a round of applause was offered.
ACHIEVEMENT PRESENTATIONS
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Ms. Avila and Mrs. Mojica presented a PowerPoint review of assessment data from last year and an overview of plans for the 2023-2024 school year. The Principals then presented their focus and goals for this year based upon the data from the 2022-2023 school year.
The Administrators were thanked for their presentation and a round of applause was offered.
V. PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the addendum agenda, and called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the following Consent Agenda be accepted/approved, as amended, listed and attached.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated 10/10/23
FINANCIAL REPORT
A. Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report for September
B. Acceptance of Expenditure Budget Status Report for September
C. Acceptance of Revenue Budget Status Report for September
D. Acceptance of Record of Claims for September
E. Acceptance of Extraclassroom Report for September
F. Acceptance of Cafeteria Report for September
G. Acceptance of Investment Report for September
H. Acceptance of Internal Claims Auditor Report for September
I. Approval of General Fund September Budget Transfer
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
A. Approval of Overnight Trip Request:
1. Valley Central High School – Senior Trip
B. Approval of Anticipated Overnight Trip Request:
1. Valley Central High School – Music Department
C. Approval of High School Program Plan:
1. Heritage Months Program
D. Approval of High School Curriculum:
1. Climate & Culture
E. Presentation of Charter Club:
1. WBEST Club – Berea Elementary School
F. Second and Final Reading of:
1. Policy 0100 – Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity (Revised)
2. Policy 0110.1 – Sexual Harassment of Students (Revised)
3. Regulation 0110.1-R – Sexual Harassment of Students Regulation (Removed)
4. Policy 0110.2 – Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment (Revised)
5. Regulation 0110.2-R – Sexual Harassment of Employees Regulation
(Removed)
6. Policy 0111 – Title IX and Sex Discrimination (New)
7. Policy 5311.3 – Student Complaints and Grievances (Revised)
8. Regulation 5311.3-R – Student Complaints and Grievances Regulation
(Revised)
9. Exhibit 6700-E – Purchasing Exhibit (Revised)
10. Regulation 6700-R – Purchasing Regulation (Revised)
11. Policy 8334 – Credit Cards/House Accounts (Revised)
12. Policy 8505 – Charging School Meals and Prohibition Against Meal Shaming
(Revised)
G. Adoption of Resolution:
Reduction of Tax Assessment and Payment of Refund Due to
Court Order and Judgment:
1. Banta Ventures
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Acceptance of Resignations:
Noninstructional
Name Position/Building Effective Date
1. Maria Cooley
(Correction on Date of Resignation) Custodial Worker/BES October 30, 2023
2. Debbie Moakley Paraprofessional/BES October 23, 2023
3. Tara Batson Registered School Nurse/BES October 20, 2023
4. Agnes Moran Paraprofessional/MS October 13, 2023
5. Daniel Cola Custodial Worker/MS November 1, 2023
6. Joseph Nolan Groundsworker/O&M October 31, 2023
7. Stephanie Hanrahan Food Service Helper/WES October 27, 2023
B. Approval of Leave of Absence:
Noninstructional
Name Position/Building Effective Date
1. Kerry Armour
(Childcare Leave) 1:2 Paraprofessional/WES On or about January 12, 2024 through March 15, 2024
C. Approval of Appointments:
Instructional – Annual Appointments
Name Position/Building Stipend/Category/Step Effective Date
1. Helen Menendez
Evening High School Substitute Teachers/HS
$50.00 per hour + 25% prep time
2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Michelle Annunziata
Evening High School Substitute Teachers/HS
$50.00 per hour + 25% prep time
2023 – 2024 School Year
3. Jonathan Avila Certified Substitute
Teacher/District
$115.00 per day 2023 – 2024 School Year
4. Marleyna George
Non Certified Substitute Teacher/ District
$110.00 per day 2023 – 2024 School Year
5. Thomas Meaney
Non Certified Substitute Teacher/ District
$110.00 per day 2023 – 2024 School Year
6. Maria Smith
Home Tutor/District
$48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
7. Kelly Brahm
Curriculum Writing/ Hispanic Heritage Month/BES
$48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
Noninstructional
Name Position/Building Schedule/Step Effective Dates
1. Samantha Fredell
(New Position) Accountant/Central Office
$69,500 (p/r $45,442.31) November 6, 2023
2. Thomas Raco
(Resignation Rep.) Custodial Worker/MS CSEA (Cust)
Step 5 October 24, 2023
3. Heather Coli
(Transfer Rep.) 1:1 Paraprofessional/ALC SRP (Para),
Step 1 October 24, 2023
4. Terri Utter
(I.E.P. Mandates) 1:2 Paraprofessional/BES SRP (Para),
Step 5 October 24, 2023
5. Christina Ortiz
(Transfer Rep.) 1:2 Paraprofessional/BES SRP (Para),
Step 1 October 24, 2023
6. Bernadette Babcock
(Transfer Rep.)1:1 Paraprofessional/BES SRP (Para),
Step 1 October 24, 2023
7. Alexandra Ramirez
(Transfer Rep.) Paraprofessional/WES SRP (Para),
Step 2 October 24, 2023
8. Karisha Perez
(Resignation Rep.) Paraprofessional (School Monitor)/MS SRP (Para),
Step 2 October 24, 2023
9. Debbie Moakley
(Transfer Rep.) 1:1 Paraprofessional/BES SRP (Para),
Step 7 October 24, 2023
Noninstructional – Annual Appointments
Name Position/Building Schedule/Step Effective Dates
1. Patricia Moore
Substitute Paraprofessionals/District
$15.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Colin Uszenski
Substitute Paraprofessionals/District
$15.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
Extracurricular Appointments
Name Position/Building Salary Effective Date
1. Amy Wendel Crazy 8s Advisor Cat.F, Step 1 (full stipend) 2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Robin Sinclair-Scott Crazy 8s Advisor Cat.F, Step 2 (full stipend) 2023 – 2024 School Year
3. Tiffanie Downs Crazy 8s Advisor Cat.F, Step 1 (full stipend) 2023 – 2024 School Year
4. Barbara Cook Crazy 8s Co-Advisor Cat.F, Step 1 (split) 2023 – 2024 School Year
5. Kristina Storaska Crazy 8s Co-Advisor Cat. F, Step 2 (split) 2023 – 2024 School Year
6. Kathryn Foti Events Photographer/District Cat. D, Step 2 2023 – 2024 School Year
7. Nancy Phelps Events Photographer/District Cat. D, Step 4 2023 – 2024 School Year
8. LeighAnn Quaglietta Events Photographer/District Cat. D, Step 1 2023 – 2024 School Year
9. Kimberly Ronaldson Events Photographer/District Cat. D, Step 4 2023 – 2024 School Year
10. Maureen Hedden Events Photographer/District Cat. D, Step 4 2023 – 2024 School Year
Cocurricular Appointments
Name Position/Building Salary Effective Date
1. LeighAnn Quaglietta
Events Personnel/ Athletic Department
$60.00 per event-Home
$70.00 per event-Away
2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Thomas Wutz, Jr.
Events Personnel/ Athletic Department
$60.00 per event-Home
$70.00 per event-Away
2023 – 2024 School Year
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond noted the need to convene in Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular personnel. He noted that no action will be taken after Executive Session and the meeting will be adjourned.
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 7:13 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 8:37 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
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 [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
October 10, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:30 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Revoir and Mrs. Samuelson
ABSENT: Mrs. Messing and Mrs. Terralavoro
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Mrs. Mojica, Mr. Miller, Mr. Conklin, Ms. McGoldrick,
Student Representatives Ms. Ellison, Mr. Nasser, and Ms. Zefi, and
approximately thirty 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 of a particular person or corporation and contract negotiations under the Taylor Law.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
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.
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. Revoir moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as listed and/or attached:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated 9/26/23
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
A. Acceptance of Donation:
1. Berea Elementary School – Garden Plantings
Anonymous Donor
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Acceptance of Resignations:
Noninstructional
Name/ Position/Building/ Effective Date
1. Bryanna Velez Paraprofessional (School Monitor)/MS/September 22, 2023
2. Maria Cooley/ Custodial Worker/BES/ October 19, 2023
B. Approval of Appointments:
Instructional
Name/ Position/Building/Salary/ Probationary/Term/Effective Date
1. Antanette Rivera-Robinson*(Retirement Replacement)/Special Education
Teacher/ALC/MA, Step 5 +6 credits/October 16,2023 –October 16,
2027/October 16, 2023
2. Kristyn Alfonso(Leave Replacement)/Regular Substitute/(LOA)/BES/MA, Step 1 +22 credits(pro-rated)/October 11, 2023– March 8, 2024
*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. Maureen Goodenough
2. Kyle Sullivan
After School Tutoring Substitutes/HS /$48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
3. Dana DeMasi
4. Valerie Grippo
Social-Emotional Mentors/MS/$2,000 each /2023 – 2024 School Year
5. Maria Smith/ Certified Substitute Teacher/District/$115.00 per day 2023 – 2024 School Year
6. Andrea Ircha /Home Tutor/District $48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
7. Taylor Esposito
8. Alessandra Keenan
Non-Certified Substitute Teachers/District/$110.00 per day 2023 – 2024 School Year
Noninstructional
Name /Position/Building /Schedule/Step/Effective Dates
1. Michael Millen(Transfer Rep.)/Groundsworker/District CSEAGroundskeepers/Step 1/October 11, 2023
2. Joseph Cumming(Resignation Rep.)/Paraprofessional
(School Monitor)/HS/SRP Para/Step 1 October 11, 2023
3. Mary Lou Aufiero (Resignation Rep.)/Food Service Helper/HS Nutritional Unit Food Service Worker/ Step 1/October 11, 2023
4. Danielle Lavella (New Position)/Paraprofessional/MS /SRP Para/Step 2 October 11, 2023
5. Shakil Sharif(Resignation Rep.)/Custodial Worker/BES CSEA Custodial/Step 1 /October 11, 2023
6. Patricia Crowley(Transfer Rep.)/Paraprofessional/WES/SRP Para/Step 6/ October 11, 2023
Noninstructional – Annual Appointments
Name Position/Building Schedule/Step Effective Dates
1. Zackary Ryan /Substitute Custodial/Worker/District/$14.61 per hour /2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Taylor Esposito/ Substitute Paraprofessional/District/$15.00 per hour/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
Extracurricular
Name/Position/Building/ Salary/ Effective Date
1. Carrie Burns/Drama Club Co-Advisor/WES/Cat. D, Step 2 (split) 2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Stephanie Castiglione-DiMarco/Drama Club Co-Advisor/WES/Cat. D, Step 1 (split) 2023 – 2024 School Year
3. Brittany Bilodeau(Revised from 7/24/23Board Agenda)/Environmental Club
Co-Advisor/HS/Cat. F, Step 5 (split) /2023 – 2024 SchoolYear
4. Amanda Presti/Environmental Club Co-Advisor/HS/Cat. F, Step 1 (split)/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
5. Julie Ardito /Nature Journaling Club Co-Advisor/MES/Cat. F, Step 1 (split)/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
Cocurricular – Annual Appointments
Name/ Position/Building/ Salary/ Effective Date
1. Gregory Jackson
2. Jeanne Marie Flanagan
3. Joe Kinsley
Events Personnel/District/$60/Event-Home$70/Event-Away/2023 – 2024 School Year
Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
REPORTS
A. Student Representatives
Student Representatives Lilly Ellison, Dylan Nasser and Elizabeth Zefi shared
information on activities at the High School including Heritage Month events, plans for the senior tea, the upcoming Career and College Fair, athletic events, extracurricular clubs, Spirit Week, and the Homecoming Game and Dance this weekend.
B. Superintendent of Schools
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Ms. Avila provided information on the Policy Committee, Booster Club and Walden Building Committee meetings held during the last week of September, as well as a visit to the Walden Senior Citizens Club on October 3rd and the ALAS Conference she attended last week. Ms. Avila shared that the November Parent-Teacher
Conferences will be offered both in-person and virtually and more information will be shared in the next few weeks.
C. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mrs. Mojica shared highlights on the half day of professional development held on October 4th and noted that her department is now planning trainings for the Superintendent’s Conference Day on November 7th. She also commented on a PTA meeting that she attended last week and upcoming visits to the schools.
OTHER
At this point in the Agenda, Mr. Bond noted that Kylene Fitsik from The Bonadio Group will join the meeting via Zoom to provide information on the District’s External Audit for Board and those in the audience. The External Audit and the District’s Corrective Action Plan are on the agenda under New Business for consideration this evening.
Following the presentation, Ms. Fitsik invited questions from the Board; there were none.
She was thanked for her presentation and she left the meeting at this time.
The meeting then resumed.
D. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Miller reported on the Recruitment Committee meeting held on September 27th and the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held on October 6th.
E. School Business Official
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Conklin reported on student transportation and the DOT road closure on 17K.
F. Community Participation
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Board members commented on events that they had participated in or attended recently, including the Policy Committee, Booster Club and Walden Building Committee meetings, the Valley Central Education Foundation Harvest Celebration, and athletic events.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was one request for public comment this evening:
Kyle Grimaldi – Senior Class Trip
OLD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Heritage Months Program Plan:
1. K-12 Physical Education
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the plan provided to the Board, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board adopt the K-12 Physical Education Heritage Months Program Plan, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous
[5:0]
B. Approval of Curriculum:
1. Middle School Grade 7 English
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the curriculum provided to the Board, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board adopt the Grade 7 English curriculum revision, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
C. Approval of Club Charter:
1. Boomwhacker Club – Walden Elementary
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the club charter provided to the Board, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve Walden
Elementary School’s Boomwhacker Club Charter, as presented and attached. Voting YES:
Unanimous [5:0]
NEW BUSINESS
A. Acceptance of External Audit Report for the Fiscal Year
Ended June 30, 2023 – The Bonadio Group
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the Audit Report provided to the Board members, and called for a motion.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board accept the External Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2023, as presented and as attached. Voting
YES: Unanimous [5:0]
B. Acceptance of Corrective Action Plan – Audit Report for the
Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023– The Bonadio Group
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the Corrective Action Plan provided to the Board members, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Revoir moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board accept the Corrective Action Plan for the External Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2023, as presented and as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
C. Approval of Capital Project Change Order
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced Mr. Conklin’s memorandum dated September 22, 2023 and attached change order, and called for a motion. Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve the Capital Project change orders, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
D. Presentation of Charter Club:
1. WBEST Club – Berea Elementary School
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Teacher Amy Wendell offered a presentation on the WBEST Club for Berea Elementary School. This club charter will be placed on the October 23, 2023 Board Agenda for consideration.
E. Review of High School Program Plan:
1. Heritage Months Program
F. Review of High School Curriculum:
1. Climate & Culture
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and noted that this curricula has been provided to the Board of Education for review and will be placed on the October 23, 2023 Board Agenda for consideration.
G. First Reading of :
1. Policy 0100 – Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity (Revised)
2. Policy 0110.1 – Sexual Harassment of Students (Revised)
3. Regulation 0110.1-R – Sexual Harassment of Students Regulation (Removed)
4. Policy 0110.2 – Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment (Revised)
5. Regulation 0110.2-R – Sexual Harassment of Employees Regulation
(Removed)
6. Policy 0111 – Title IX and Sex Discrimination (New)
7. Policy 5311.3 – Student Complaints and Grievances (Revised)
8. Regulation 5311.3-R – Student Complaints and Grievances Regulation
(Revised)
9. Exhibit 6700-E – Purchasing Exhibit (Revised)
10. Regulation 6700-R – Purchasing Regulation (Revised)
11. Policy 8334 – Credit Cards/House Accounts (Revised)
12. Policy 8505 – Charging School Meals and Prohibition Against Meal Shaming
(Revised)
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and provided a summary of the proposed policy revisions. He noted that these revised documents are available for the public’s review on the District’s website along with the supporting documents for this meeting.
These policy revisions will be placed on the October 23rd Board Agenda for a second reading and adoption.
H. NYSSBA 2023 Resolutions Discussion
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. The Board members discussed this year’s proposed resolutions and provided feedback for Mrs. Terralavoro, who will vote on the Board’s behalf at NYSSBA’s Annual Board meeting on Monday, October 16th.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond noted that the Board will be conducting a Board Retreat following this meeting, which will be closed to the public. He then called for a motion to adjourn.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting
YES: Unanimous [5:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m.