Central Valley School District Board of Education – Regular Meeting

December 21, 2022   6:00 p.m. 

APPROVED

The Board of Education’s regular meeting was called to order by Vice President Maggie Wesolowski at 6:00 p.m. in the LGI at CVA.

On a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board entered into an Executive Session at 6:01 p.m. in the High School Office Conference Room for the purpose of discussing the medical, financial, credit or employment history of any particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of any particular person or corporation. Motion carried 5-0.

Members present for the Executive Session were as follows: Maggie Wesolowski, Travis Costin, Matt Darrow, Valerie Day, Jonah Levi, Jason Sanchez (entered at 6:17 p.m.), and Jonathan Boucher (entered at 6:28 p.m.). Also present for the Board’s Executive Session were Jeremy Rich, Tim Moretti, ONC BOCES Labor Relations Specialist, and Sally Kramas, Director of Human Resources. The Board was called out of Executive Session at 7:12 p.m. and returned to public session at 7:13 p.m. in the LGI. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all those present.

Members Present

  • Jason Sanchez, Pres.

  • Maggie Wesolowski, Vice Pres.

  • Jonathan Boucher

  • Travis Costin

  • Matt Darrow

  • Valerie Day

  • Jonah Levi (left at approx. 7:35 pm)

Members Absent

  • None

Staff Present

  • Jeremy M. Rich, Supt.

  • James Humphrey

  • Alaine Canestrari

  • Mark Bunce

  • Garrett Olds

Guests Present (those signing in)

  • Emily Negron

  • Mike Rotondi

  • Michael Rotondi

  • Julie Joyce

  • Kevin Joyce

  • Rebecca Hayes

  • Jamison Hayes

  • Michael Fenton

  • Sarah Chandler

  • JoAnna Keeler

  • Brian Keeler

  • Mary Geloso

  • Laura Wastowicz

  • Kayla Gleim

  • Annamarie Lyman

  • Maya Holovitz

  • Ethan Parkhurst

  • Audra Holovitz

  • Sue Paddock

  • Dave Paddock

  • Jen Tayo

  • Terry Stanley

  • Lissa Stanley

  • Brian Engel

  • Laurel Engel

  • Rebecca Salsman

  • David Geloso

  • John Brewer

  • Joel A. Crouch

  • Claire Engel

  • Kathryn Rodgers

  • Seth Boyer

  • Trisha Boucher

  • Autumn Tayler

AGENDA CHANGES

Consent Agenda

D. (a) Non-Instructional Appointments - Permanent:

  • Claudette Eckler - Teacher Aide - Effective Tentatively 1/12/23

  • Jordyn Parker - Teacher Aide - Effective Tentatively 1/14/23

D. (c) Increase in Teacher Aide Hours:

  • Sherri Willsey - 6.25 to 7 hrs/day - Effective 1/3/23

PRESENTATION

The Board recognized students who participated in Area All-State and Conference All-State Music Festivals. Mr. Rich acknowledged the arts and music programs as well as the sports programs. Mr. Rich explained that both sports and music participants are historically honored at this time of year, and discussed the decision to acknowledge the departments separately this year. He noted that Central Valley is proud of these programs and exceptional student participants under the leadership of Mr. Mark Bunce. Mr. Rich acknowledged their hard work and dedication.

Mr. Bunce explained the process for being selected to participate in Area All-State. He also provided historical information regarding NYSSMA, including that the first pilot of NYSSMA was held at the former Ilion CSD. He also shared that Central Valley made up 25% of the vocal ensemble this year. Mr. Bunce presented each student with a token of recognition of their accomplishment. He also recognized the student participating in Conference All-State, as well as recognized the band and vocal students that were selected as alternates.

After the completion of the presentation, Mr. Rich also acknowledged two students, Kayla Gleim and Delaney Francisco, as they are the recipients of NROTC Scholarships.

A brief reception followed with refreshments provided by the cafeteria staff for the student participants and their parents.

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

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Superintendent’s Report

Mr. Rich provided an update on the following items:

  • Update on First Quarter Academics: Mr. Rich reported that, overall, first quarter academics were going well.

  • Update on Movement and Fitness: Mr. Rich discussed the PowerPoint pertaining to the Fitness Center. He discussed the link between coaches and activities, as well as non-athletes utilizing the space. Healthy snacks are being provided by the cafeteria staff through a grant. Life Skills class also utilizes the space to clean the equipment to gain service hours. Mr. Rich noted the 500 Club and 1,000 Club and discussed the large interest from female students. He explained the training that needs to be demonstrated to test for the club and stated that testing occurs outside of sports seasons to avoid injuries. At Jarvis, the older students are working with the younger students within the fitness center.

  • Update on Uniforms and Gifts for Coaches: Mr. Rich discussed that the new uniforms have been ordered and some distributed. Coaches and other staff were provided with an opportunity to order Central Valley apparel as a gift of appreciation. Mr. Olds organized this and reported at the time of the meeting that 96 people participated. Mr. Darrow inquired if any feedback was received regarding the new uniforms and Mr. Olds commented on the distribution of the uniforms and reactions to them.

  • Update on Concerts: Mr. Rich shared that the concerts were great and well attended. He reported that there has been a wave of younger students and new faces who have carried on the torch and entered the spotlight.

  • Scheduling Budget Workshop: Mr. Rich discussed the intent to schedule a Budget Workshop for Board Members after the New Year. Mr. Sanchez will collaborate with the Board to determine an available date.

  • Facilitates Report: The Board received copies of the Facilities Report as submitted by Mr. Miller. An opportunity for questions was offered.

  • Athletic Coordinator’s Report: The Board received copies of the Athletic Coordinator’s Report as submitted by Mr. Olds. An opportunity for questions was offered. Mr. Rich noted that student athletes would be honored at a later date.

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

Administrative Reports

  • Mr. Rich reviewed the Administrative Reports prepared by Mrs. Canestrari, Assistant Superintendent, and the building principals. Mr. Rich explained that the reports are a form of communication for each building to provide updates on curriculum, events, and highlights. A section pertaining to safety focus and procedures is also included, as administrators have been keeping on top of this.

  • Mrs. Wesolowski inquired if there was a way to get this information and highlights more accessible to the public in comparison to other districts. Mr. Rich discussed current needs with software issues that have prevented this recently. Discussion took place regarding increasing communication through social media outlets as well. Mrs. Canestrari discussed the new platforms in place and acknowledged there would be a learning curve.

  • The Board asked questions pertaining to the platform being used. Mr. Rich acknowledged the efforts of the committee in reviewing and selecting the platform. However, there has been some resistance to the platform by its users.

  • Programs were explained that bridge the gaps between teachers and parents, as well as state compliance in connection with this. Discussion took place regarding the school website. Members of the Board indicated that the website was not user friendly and acknowledged this continues to be a prevalent discussion. Issues with communication were discussed. Options were discussed for platforms with friendly use among grade levels. Mrs. Day indicated that push notifications were more helpful this year.

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

Business Official’s Report

  • The Board received copies of the Business Official’s Report and were offered an opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Rich discussed future intentions with teaching positions including assessing needs and student interest at the time of teacher retirements. As retirements take place, the positions will be evaluated as to whether to continue or change the direction of the subject. Mr. Costin inquired regarding the deficits that will occur in three years and how this would impact the number of teachers needed. Mr. Rich reviewed differentials in cost for retired teachers versus new teachers.

  • The Board also discussed options of re-implementing an athletic trainer. The process for responding to athlete injuries was discussed and the Board acknowledged the pressures on coaches to respond to injuries. Mr. Olds reported that Rome is the only school with a full-time trainer on staff who also teaches; Mr. Olds stated he would follow-up to inquire regarding their certifications.

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

BOARD DISCUSSION

  • Mr. Darrow inquired regarding the camera system in the gym and voiced concern regarding the quality and location of the camera. Mr. Olds discussed his communication with the camera program and they identified there was an issue with inputted events. Mr. Olds discussed options for alternative streaming services, costs associated, and installation processes. Options for additional equipment were discussed including a jumbo Tron.

  • Mrs. Wesolowski inquired regarding a request that was received by the Foundation from a club at Jarvis that did not have a budget. The Board also discussed the possibilities of a Shooting Club. Mr. Olds provided details and discussed needs of the club if offered. Mrs. Day asked if the district spoke with its insurance provider regarding this, which Mr. Olds confirmed and explained competition processes. Additionally, Mr. Boucher inquired regarding parking availability. Parking needs and emergency access were discussed. Options for repair of the space were discussed, but no plan is in place at this time to gain space or address logistics.

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 Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the minutes of the following meeting. Motion carried 6-0.

  • Regular Meeting – November 16, 2022

Acceptance of Resignations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board accepted the following resignations. Motion carried 6-0.

  • Kimberly Rawson, Teacher Aide, Effective 11/25/22

  • Mary Ellen Donohue, Teacher Aide, Effective 12/2/22

  • M’Kyla Hanford, Teacher Aide, Effective 12/2/22

  • Kylee Pink, Teacher Aide, Effective 12/2/22

  • Lia Grippe, Teacher Aide , Effective 1/2/23

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

Approval of Unpaid Leave of Absence Requests

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following requests for unpaid leaves of absence. Motion carried 6-0.

  • Danielle Gray, Teacher Aide, Eff. approx. 12/16/22

  • Nicole Monk, School Psychologist, Eff. approx. 1/9/23-2/6/23

(Copy of requests 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 Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following personnel appointments/adjustments. Motion carried 6-0.

Non-Instructional Appointments – Permanent:

  • Claudette Eckler , Teacher Aide, Eff. Tentatively 1/12/23

  • Jordyn Parker, Teacher Aide, Eff. Tentatively 1/14/23

  • Gabriella Beam, Teacher Aide, Effective 12/25/22

  • Jordan Ingraham, Building Cleaner – FT/12 Mth, Effective 1/1/23

Instructional Appointment – Four-Year Probationary:

  • Emily Jory, Special Education Teacher, Effective 1/3/23

Increase in Teacher Aide Hours:

  • Claudette Eckler, From 6.5 hrs/day to 7 hrs/day, Effective Retro. to 10/18/22

  • Sherri Willsey, From 6.25 hrs/day to 7 hrs/day, Effective 1/3/23,

Mentor Appointments:

  • Karen Crouse, Mentor, Abigail Kelly, Mentee

  • Andria Hartman, Mentor, Emily Jory, Mentee

Coaching Appointments – 2022-2023:

  • Jacob Bunce, Girls Varsity Bowling

  • Eric Moreau, Boys Modified Basketball – White

  • Volunteer Coaching Appointments – 2022-2023:

  • Jennifer Johnson Hand, Volunteer Assistant Boys Volleyball

  • Chase Steenburg, Volunteer Assistant Indoor Track

Substitute Appointments – BOCES Sub Service:

  • Gabriella Lawrence

Approval of Financial Reports

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following financial reports. Motion carried 6-0.

  • Financial Reports – November 2022

  • Cash Account Summary – November 2022

  • Internal Claims Auditors Log Summaries – November 2022

  • Extracurricular Summary Report – November 2022

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

OLD BUSINESS

Approval of Revision of Effective Date

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board approved a revision to the following effective date. Motion carried 6-0.

  • Abigail Kelly, Math Teacher (7-12), Effective 12/5/2022

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

Approval to Rescind 2022-2023 Coaching Appointment Due to Low Enrollment

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Day, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved to rescind a 2022-2023 coaching appointment due to low enrollment. The Board discussed participation within the boys’ volleyball program in reference to sustainability. Motion carried 6-0.

  • Jennifer Johnson Hand, Boys JV Volleyball

(Copy of information 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. Darrow, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved the arrangement of services of the following CSE/CPSE/504 Accommodation Plan meetings. Motion carried 6-0.

  • November 1, 2022

  • November 2, 2022

  • November 4, 2022

  • November 8, 2022

  • November 9, 2022

  • November 10, 2022

  • November 14, 2022

  • November 15, 2022

  • November 16, 2022

  • November 17, 2022

  • November 18, 2022

  • November 21, 2022

  • November 28, 2022

  • November 29, 2022

  • November 30, 2022

  • December 1, 2022

  • December 2, 2022

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

Approval of Memorandum of Agreement with CVTA – Extra Teaching Assignment

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Day, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board approved the following Memorandums of Agreement. Motion carried 6-0.

  • Maria Madden, Spanish Teacher (Seventh Assignment), Eff. 12/5/22-6/23/23

  • Keri White, Spanish Teacher (Seventh Assignment), Eff. 12/5/22-6/23/23

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

Acceptance of Bid Results – Stage Rigging

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following bid results for stage rigging. Motion carried 5-0. Note - Mr. Costin exited the meeting briefly at approximately 8:49 P.M. and was not included in the voting of the motion.

  • Syracuse Scenery & Stage Lighting Co. Inc.—$58,600.00

Mr. Darrow inquired if this was the same company that previously worked on the stage. Mr. Rich reported that it was not. Members of the Board asked for clarification on what the funds would be covering and asked for project details. Mr. Rich provided an overview of the work to be completed.

(Copy of the bid results on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Note - Mr. Costin returned to the meeting at approximately 8:52 P.M.

Approval of Disposal of Surplus Goods

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mrs. Day, the Board approved to dispose of the following surplus goods. Mrs. Wesolowski inquired if the technology equipment could be offered to students or if they were beyond use – Mr. Rich explained that the equipment is beyond use. Motion carried 6-0.

  • Fisher Library Discards – Inventory List dated 6/1/22 to 12/8/22

  • Technology Equipment for Disposal – Inventory List dated 11/16/22

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

Acceptance of Donation

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board accepted the following donation. Motion carried 6-0. The Board was informed that the donation was made by a teacher of the district.

  • Deborah Rachon – Yamaha YTR-2330 Trumpet – Estimated Value: $400

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

Adoption of 2023-2024 Budget Timeline

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent of Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board adopted the 2023-2024 Budget Timeline. Motion carried 6-0.

(Copy of the budget timeline on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Adjustments to 2022-2023 Substitute Rates Due to New Minimum Wage

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent of Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following adjustments to 2022-2023 substitute rates due to the new minimum wage. Mr. Costin inquired regarding the possibility to secure a nurse at the rate listed. Mr. Rich discussed budget needs and balance in relation to pay rates outlined and options for negotiation. Motion carried 6-0.

Classification: from Current Rate: to Jan. 1, 2023 Rate:

  • Retired Teacher from $100.00/day to $125.00/day

  • Certified Teacher from $97.40/day to $110.00/day

  • Uncertified Teacher from $92.40/day to $99.40/day

  • Certified Teaching Assistant from $97.40/day to $99.40/day

  • Uncertified Teaching Assistant from $92.40/day to $99.40/day

  • Teacher Aide from $13.20/hour to $14.20/hour

  • Registered Nurse from $100.00/day to $110.00/day

  • Licensed Practical Nurse from $97.40/day to $104.40/day

  • These rates are due to an increase from $13.20/hour to $14.20/hour

  • Seven (7) hour work day = $99.40 minimum wage day rate

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

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 – Regular Meeting

SECOND EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board entered into a second Executive Session at 8:58 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the medical, financial, credit or employment history of any particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of any particular person or corporation. Motion carried 6-0.

It was announced that no further Board action was expected to occur.

Those present for the second Executive Session were Jason Sanchez, Maggie Wesolowski, Jonathan Boucher, Travis Costin, Matt Darrow, and Valerie Day. The Board was called out of their second Executive Session at 9:33 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board adjourned their regular meeting at 9:34 p.m. Motion carried 6-0.

Stacey Griffith, District Clerk