Central Valley School District Board of Education – Regular Meeting

October 19, 2022   7:05 p.m.

APPROVED

The Board of Education’s regular meeting was called to order by President Jason Sanchez at 7:05 p.m. in the LGI at CVA. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all those present.

Members Present

  • Jason Sanchez, Pres.,

  • Maggie Wesolowski, V. Pres.

  • Jonathan Boucher

  • Travis Costin

  • Valerie Day

  • Jonah Levi (left at 8:46 pm)

  • Matt Darrow  (personal commitment)

Members Absent

Staff Present

  • Jeremy M. Rich, Supt.

  • Jim Humphrey

  • Alaine Canestrari

  • Cuyle Rockwell

Guests Present

  • Mark Beaudette – Questar III

AGENDA CHANGES 

Presentations

President Sanchez announced the removal of the External Audit Report by D’Arcangelo & Co., LLP from the agenda – projected review at the November 16, 2022 Regular Board Meeting.

Consent Agenda

E. (h)   Volunteer Appointment - Austin Tubia, Volunteer Lego Robotics FLL Mentor 

PRESENTATIONS

  • Internal Audit Report – Questar III BOCES:

    Mr. Mark Beaudette presented information on the 2021–2022 Risk Assessment and Athletic Equity – Title IX Audit.  Mr. Beaudette reviewed the Title IX Audit outlining observations and recommendations for improvements, which were discussed.  Mr. Beaudette reviewed the financial risk assessment of the District, outlining equitable offerings and recommendations for improvement to internal control structure.  Mr. Beaudette acknowledged CVCSD staff for their cooperation during the audit and Mr. James Humphrey discussed the resources available through Mr. Beaudette.

(Copy of information on file in District Clerk’s files.)

  • School Board Recognition Week – October 17-21, 2022:

    Superintendent Rich noted the celebration of School Board Recognition Week and presented each Board member with a certificate and the Governor’s Proclamation.  Mr. Rich commended the Board for their service to the students and the community. 

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE

At this time, President Sanchez administered the Oath of Office to Stacey Griffith as the newly appointed District Clerk.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Superintendent’s Report

  • Update on Denali Group – Mr. Rich explained that the Denali group has been coming to the district and meeting with students to assist them in understanding their strengths in sports and other areas.

  • Update on CVA Stage – Mr. Rich explained issues that existed with the stage rigging and efforts by engineers to restructure the weight.  Mr. Rich identified the goal was to complete the project by January via utilization of emergency funds and discussed its interim use.  At this time, school functions can still be held and alternative options were discussed if the January goal was not met.

  • Update on the Building Project – Mr. Rich discussed details of upcoming building projects including needs for revision to the concession stand at CVA, the score board, the small gym, and locker rooms. 

  • Update on BOE Goals – Mr. Rich reviewed the BOE Goals and noted that the Board would consider formal approval of the goals later this evening.

  • Update on Homecoming Week – Mr. Rich provided information regarding recent homecoming festivities indicating that it was the best homecoming he had experienced.  He noted successful participation in festivities, estimating approximately 358 students in attendance.  Mrs. Alaine Canestrari, Assistant Superintendent, provided information regarding the homecoming dance, and agreed this was a very successful event. 

  • Update on COVID Procedures – Mr. Rich outlined the procedural changes regarding staff absences due to COVID.  Retroactive adjustments will be made for those staff members who were affected by this.  Mr. Rich noted that each instance must be for the staff members COVID illness as opposed to caring for a loved one with COVID.

  • Athletic Coordinator Report – The Board received copies of the September 2022 Athletic Report as prepared by Mr. Olds.  Mr. Rich reviewed the report and offered opportunity for questions.  Mr. Rich provided an update on fall sports.  Field usage and equity in sport programs were discussed referencing participation and finances.  

  • Transportation Report – Mr. Rich acknowledged reports provided and offered opportunity for questions.  Mr. Rich provided an update on fall sports.  Field usage and equity in sport programs were discussed. 

  • Overnight Field Trip Request – Mr. Rich presented information regarding an upcoming music festival overnight trip.  The Board reviewed and provided verbal approval to initiate accommodations for the trip.  Formal approval of the trip will be considered at the next regular Board Meeting in November.   Following the verbal consent provided by the Board, questions were raised about fundraising efforts and accommodations.

  • Members of the Board inquired and discussed status of filling vacancies within the district and Mr. Rich provided an update regarding available positions and training efforts.

(Copy of information on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Administrative Reports

The Board received copies of the administrative reports as submitted by the building principals and Mrs. Canestrari. 

(Copy of reports on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Business Official’s Report

The Board received copies of the September 2022 financial reports for their information.  Mr. Humphrey informed the Board that the external audit would likely be prepared for the November 2022 meeting. 

(Copy of reports on file in District Clerk’s files.)

BOARD DISCUSSION

  • Mr. Costin inquired regarding the status of the Pixellot Camera used for the streaming of sporting events.  It was determined that the camera was not functioning correctly and would need replacement.  Notice of this issue was placed on the district’s website and Facebook page to inform the public.  Options were discussed for communicating score updates of games with the community.  Mr. Costin also inquired regarding the status of the new score board while discussing alternative options for streaming.

  • Discussion took place regarding a student’s inquiry for starting a girl’s lacrosse team.  Potential barriers were discussed including prior attempts, lack of participation, finances, and the existing discrepancies in the number of female sports offered versus male sports offered.

  • Discussion continued regarding building use of the indoor track and supervision barriers were identified.  Safety and security systems within the building were also discussed.  Mr. Rich provided education regarding camera systems, monitoring of windows and doors, and the SRO completing building checks.

PUBLIC OPEN FORUM

There was no public participation this evening.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION

There were no items removed from the consent agenda for individual consideration.

CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of Minutes

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the minutes of the following meeting.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Regular Meeting – September 21, 2022

Acceptance of Retirement

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board accepted the following notice of retirement.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Deborah English, Teacher Aide, Effective 10/31/22

Acceptance of Resignations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Ms. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board accepted the following resignations.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Bre’ Giambrone , Elementary Teacher, Effective 10/1/22

  • Steven Grippe, Building Cleaner, Effective 10/7/22

  • Anthony Rich, Special Education Teacher, Effective 10/18/22

  • James Mallia, LTS School Counselor, Effective 11/11/22

(Copy of resignations on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Unpaid Leave of Absence Request

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following unpaid leave of absence request.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Katrina Palmiter, Teacher Aide , Effective 10/4/22 until further notice

(Copy of request on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Personnel Appointments/Adjustments

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following personnel appointments/adjustments.  Motion carried 5-0.

Non-Instructional Appointments - Permanent

  • Kaitlyn Couchman, Teacher Aide, Effective 11/9/22

Non-Instructional Appointments - Six-Month Probationary

  • Gabriella Bouck, Teacher Aide – 7 hrs/day, Effective 10/17/22

  • Michele Austin, Teacher Aide – 6.5 hrs/day, Effective 10/17/22

  • Marty Herron-Eaves, Building Maintenance Worker, Effective 10/24/22

Instructional Appointments - Four-Year Probationary

  • Alexandria Bick, Elementary Teacher, Effective 11/3/22

  • Thomas Brady, Special Education Teacher, Effective 11/7/22

Mentor Appointments - 2022-2023

  • Lisa Alexander (Mentor), Mike Barse (Mentee)

  • Candace Darling, (Mentor), Alexandria Bick, (Mentee)

  • Kathryn Hitchcock, (Mentor), Thomas Brady, (Mentee)

Decrease in Teacher Aide Hours

  • Dorothy Knapik, From 7 hrs/day to 6.75 hrs/day, Effective 10/3/22

Volunteer Coaching Appointments – 2022-202

  • Jordan Burger, Volunteer Wrestling Coach

  • Brian Lanz, Volunteer Boys Soccer Coach

Substitute Appointment

  • Jarhett Clapper, Substitute Building Cleaner Conditional,  , Effective 10/5/22

Volunteer Appointment

  • Austin Tubia, Volunteer Lego Robotics FLL Mentor

Approval of Financial Reports 

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Ms. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following financial reports.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Financial Reports - September 2022

  • Cash Account Summary – September 2022

  • Internal Claims Auditors Log Summaries – September 2022

  • Extracurricular Summary Report – September 2022

(Copy of reports on file in District Clerk’s files.)

OLD BUSINESS

Approval to Rescind Action for Probationary Period and Change to Increase in Hours

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Day, the Board approved to rescind action for a probationary period and change to increase in hours.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Carol Carney, Food Service Helper from 5 to 5.75 hrs/day , Effective 9/12/22

Approval to Rescind Existing MOA (7/1/22) and Replace with Revised MOA

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved to rescind the existing MOA dated 7/1/2022 and replace with a revised MOA as follows.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Liza Gonzalez-Brondou, TOSA Instructional Technology Coach, Effective 8/31/22

(Copy of MOA on file in District Clerk’s files.)

NEW BUSINESS

Approval of Arrangement of Services – CSE/CPSE/504 Accommodation Plan Meetings

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved the arrangement of services of the following CSE/CPSE/504 Accommodation Plan meetings.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • September 7, 2022,

  • September 8, 2022,

  • September 12, 2022,

  • September 15, 2022

  • September 16, 2022

  • September 20, 2022

  • September 21, 2022

  • September 22, 2022

  • September 26, 2022

  • September 28, 2022

  • September 30, 2022

(Copy of minutes on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval to Adopt Results of Internal Audit Reports by Questar III BOCES

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Day, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved to adopt the results of the Internal Audit Reports by Questar III BOCES as presented this evening.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Risk Assessment – 2021–2022

  • Athletic Equity – Title IX Audit – 2021-2022

(Copy of reports on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Board of Education Goals – 2022-2023

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved the Board of Education Goals for the 2022-2023 school year.  Motion carried 5-0.

(Copy of goals on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP) – 2022-2023

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Day, the Board approved the School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP) for the 2022-2023 school year.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Central Valley Academy – 9-12

  • Gregory B. Jarvis Middle School – 5-8

(Copy of reports on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Independent Contractor Employment Agreement

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following Independent Contractor Employment Agreement.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Andrew Goldman, Certified Social Psychologist, Effective 11/1/22 - 6/23/23

(Copy of agreement on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Combining Contracts – 2022-2023

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Day, the Board approved the following Combining Contracts for the 2022-2023 school year.  Motion carried 5-0. 

  • Varsity Wrestling with Frankfort-Schuyler CSD – CVA Host

  • Varsity Indoor Girls Track with Richfield Springs CSD – CVA Host

Mrs. Day inquired if a combining contract could be utilized for the student interested in participating in lacrosse.  Mr. Rich and Mr. Humphrey discussed logistics of this and potential barriers of Division/Class change due to having to accept the number of students within the other districts.  Mr. Rich will investigate and follow-up regarding Mrs. Day’s inquiry.

(Copy of contracts on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval to Dispose of Surplus Goods

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved to dispose of the following surplus goods.  Motion carried 5-0.

  • Textbooks – As Per Barringer Road Inventory List – September 2022

  • PE Equipment – As Per CVA Inventory List – October 7, 2022

(Copy of request on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Acceptance of Donation from The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, Inc.

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Day, the Board accepted a donation from The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation.  Motion carried 5-0. 

  • Monetary donation for the purchase of two weather shelters for youth sports program:

    Mr. Rich explained the grant and informed the Board that the amount of the donation shall remain anonymous upon request of the Foundation.  Mr. Rich explained the purpose of the donation was to secure two weather shelters for athletics programs to utilize on the sidelines.  The District plans to budge for the purchase of two additional shelters as well.

(Copy of donation letter on file in District Clerk’s files.)

NEXT MEETING:  November 16, 2022 - Regular Meeting

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mrs. Day, the Board adjourned their regular meeting at 9:06 p.m.  Motion carried 5-0.

Stacey Griffith, District Clerk