The Board of Education’s regular meeting was called to order by President Jason Sanchez at 7:00 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

• Matt Darrow

• Valerie Day

• Jonah Levi (entered at approx. 7:03 p.m.)

Members Absent

• None

Staff Present

• Jeremy M. Rich, Supt.

• James Humphrey

• Alaine Canestrari

• Aaron Carey

• Danielle Hess

• Jessica Bowman

• Jeremy Kozak

• Charles Pratt

• Luke Manolescu

• Richard Keeler

• Garrett Olds

Guests Present

• None

AGENDA CHANGES

Mr. Sanchez noted the following agenda changes.

Administrative Reports and Recommendations

A. Superintendent’s Report

1. Overnight Field Trip Request

Consent Agenda

C. Acceptance of Resignations

• Jordyn Parker - Teacher Aide - Effective 1/17/23

• Steven Everson - Building Cleaner - Effective 1/13/23

D. (b) Instructional Appointments - Four-Year Probationary

• Kathryn Monahan - Elementary Teacher - Anticipated Eff. 2/27/23

D. (c) Non-Instructional Appointments - Six-Month Probationary

• Amanda Macri - Teacher Aide - Effective 1/18/23

Old Business

C. Approval of Revision to Permanent Effective Date

• Claudette Eckler - Teacher Aide - Effective 1/13/23

New Business

D. Approval of Overnight Field Trip Request

• NJROTC Senior “Cruise” – San Diego, CA – 3/8/23 - 3/13/23

E. Approval of Award for Scoreboard Contract

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Superintendent’s Report

Mr. Rich provided an update on the following:

• Athletic Trainer: Mr. Rich shared his recent discussions with Mr. Garrett Olds, Athletic Coordinator, which were in follow-up to inquiries from Board members regarding an Athletic Trainer position. Mr. Olds provided an update on what other district’s salaries, hiring process, and union options look like. The availability and sustainability of trainers were discussed, including limitations such as the allotted hours and concern for turnover. Board members asked various questions including the trainer’s responsibility for team coverage.

• Clay Target League: Mr. Rich discussed options for naming the Clay Target League and provided an alternative option of Skeet Club. Mr. Olds provided an update on their recent meeting with the Fish and Game Club regarding implementing the club. Mr. Olds discussed various aspects of the club including expenses, processes, inability to transport weapons, supervision needed, and student requirements. Mr. Rich reviewed insurance needs and stated that the club could potentially initiate next spring, if agreed upon by all parties.

• Camera: Mr. Olds discussed options for sport cameras in follow-up to previous inquiries from Board members. Expenses of various programs and alternative options for camera systems available were reviewed. Communication with the current camera company, Pixellot, was discussed as well as pros and cons of the alternative companies. Members of the Board asked questions pertaining to spectator viewing differences and noted that it was important to see the score. Board Members discussed other Districts using streaming services through YouTube. Discussion also took place regarding specifics of camera options and the possibility of having a representative come speak with the District regarding options.

• Scoreboard: Mr. Rich referenced the award for the Scoreboard Contract. Mrs. Wesolowski discussed a recent interaction with a parent who expressed concern that students are not given an opportunity at the middle school level for certain youth male sports – options were discussed.

• Parent Square: Mr. Rich provided details regarding Parent Square, which he stated was Education Law 2-d compliant. He explained the current program, Apptegy, and indicated that the District is now moving forward with demonstrations of Parent Square. Mr. Rich discussed positive attributes of Parent Square based on experiences shared.

• Athletic Coordinator’s Report: The Board received copies of the Athletic Coordinator’s Report as submitted by Mr. Olds.

• Overnight Field Trip Request: Mr. Rich discussed the details of the NJROTC overnight field trip request to California, including finances through boosters, and stated that the club needs to gain approval to pay the deposit and move forward with planning. Mr. Keeler, CVA Principal, provided information pertaining to the trip and noted that students will be attending a college visit while there.

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

Administrative Reports

Assistant Superintendent and Building Principals:

• Building Administrators attended and presented their reports on curriculum updates, parent engagement, recent events, safety, testing, student services, and more. Mr. Rich congratulated Mrs. Jessica Bowman on her recent appointment to Elementary Principal of Fisher Elementary School.

• Mr. Rich expressed his appreciation for the hard work from the Administrative Team and acknowledged the obstacles they face. The Board asked questions pertaining to the reports including vape use. The Board and Administrators discussed needs and access for help with addiction for students. Board Members expressed concern for young students being able to enter smoking shops and purchase vapes and other items. Other educational events and risk management opportunities for vape and substance use were discussed.

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

Business Official’s Report

• Mr. Humphrey provided reports regarding December financials. He discussed the various aspects of the budget, the tax cap, and provided further explanation on the auditors Extra-Classroom findings. Mr. Humphrey acknowledged the lack of control with students handling cash while fundraising. Factors such as bake sales were discussed, limitations with monitoring, and efforts of advisors. Board members participated in the discussion regarding fundraising and Mr. Rich acknowledged the generosity of our community.

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

BOARD DISCUSSION

• Mr. Darrow inquired if nurses have accessibility to Narcan. Mr. Rich explained that the District was not in favor of it initially but we now have a nurse certified in Narcan use and likely will have accessibility to it at the high school. Mr. Rich reported that this was something the District was looking into and discussion took place regarding risk versus reward pertaining to this. The presence of Fentanyl was discussed within the valley. Board members inquired regarding accessibility to AED machines and training available. Mr. Humphrey reported we have 20 AED machines and anyone supervising students are trained on AED, first aid, and CPR, and discussed training efforts throughout the year. Mrs. Canestrari reported that during October Professional Development, Teacher Aides and Assistants were trained on choking prevention.

PUBLIC OPEN FORUM

There was no public participation this evening. Mr. Rich did express concern for tomorrow’s weather and dismissal time. Options were discussed for closing and how this impacts other union/non-union faculty/staff. The Board members and Mr. Rich agreed to maintain safety over everything.

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. Darrow, the Board approved the minutes of the following meeting. Motion carried 7-0.

• Regular Meeting – December 21, 2022

Approval of Tenure Appointments

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board approved the following Tenure appointment. Motion carried 7-0.

• Melanie Graham, Teacher Assistant, Effective 1/28/23

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

Acceptance of Resignations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board approved the following resignations. Motion carried 7-0.

• Jessica Bowman, Assistant Principal – 12 mth, Effective 1/10/23

• Michele Pilla, Elementary Principal – 12 mth, Effective 1/19/23

• Morgan Grescheck, Teacher Aide – 7 hrs/day, Effective 1/12/23

• Jordyn Parker, Teacher Aide – 6.25 hrs/day, Effective 1/17/23

• Steven Everson, Building Cleaner – 12 mth FT, Effective 1/13/23

(Copy of resignations 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. Darrow, the Board approved the following personnel appointments/adjustments. Motion carried 7-0.

Administrative Appointment – Three-Year Probationary:

• Jessica Bowman, Elementary Principal, Effective 1/11/23

• Instructional Appointment – Four-Year Probationary:

• Libby Seymour, ELA Teacher (7-12), Effective 1/4/23

• Kathryn Monahan, Elementary Teacher, Anticipated Eff. 2/27/23

Non-Instructional Appointments - Six-Month Probationary:

• Shannon McMahon, Teacher Aide – 7 hrs/day, Effective 1/3/23

• Shelby Williams, Teacher Aide – 7 hrs/day, Effective 1/3/23

• Athena Nestle, Teacher Aide – 7 hrs/day COND, Effective 1/18/23

• Melissa Burris, School Bus Monitor – 4 hrs/day, Effective 1/9/23

• Steven Everson, Custodian – FT 12 mth, Effective 1/17/23

• Kaitlin Eisenhut-Freedman, Occupational Therapist-R COND, Effective 2/1/23

Increase in Teacher Aide Hours:

• Allison Morgan, From 7 hrs/day to 7.75 hrs/day, Effective 1/17/23

Substitute Appointment:

• Sirena Smith, Substitute – Conditional*, Eff. approx. 1/12/23-3/10-23

*Conditional pending completion of BOCES Sub Service Process

Substitute Appointments – BOCES Sub Service:

• Wesley Clarke

• Debra Kuehnle

• Sofia Randazzo

• Tyler Steele

• Diane Wells

• Rebecca Wheelock

Approval of Financial Reports

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board approved the following financial reports. Motion carried 7-0.

• Financial Reports – December 2022

• Cash Account Summary – December 2022

• Internal Claims Auditors Log Summaries – December 2022

• Extracurricular Summary Report – December 2022

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

OLD BUSINESS

Approval of Policy Revision – Section 1000 Community Relations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved a revision to the following policy. Motion carried 7-0.

• #1001 – Community Use of School Facilities

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

Approval to Adopt Corrective Action Plan for External Audit – 2021-2022

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved to adopt the Corrective Action Plan for the External Audit – 2021–2022. Motion carried 7-0.

• Extra-Classroom Activity Fund

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

Approval of to Permanent Effective Date:

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved a revision to the permanent effective date of the following employee. Motion carried 7-0.

• Claudette Eckler, Teacher Aide, Effective 1/13/23

(Copy of information in 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. Levi, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the arrangement of services of the following CSE/CPSE/504 Accommodation Plan meetings. Motion carried 7-0.

• December 5, 2022

• December 6, 2022

• December 7, 2022

• December 8, 2022

• December 9, 2022

• December 12, 2022

• December 13, 2022

• December 15, 2022

• December 19, 2022

• December 20, 2022

• December 21, 2022

• December 22, 2022

• January 3, 2023

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

Acceptance of Donation

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board accepted the following donation. Mrs. Wesolowski inquired if this donation was being provided to the hub, which Mr. Rich confirmed and indicated it was through Connected Community Schools. Motion carried 7-0.

• Mohawk Valley Apparel, Miscellaneous Apparel, Est. Value: $4,464.00

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

Approval of Disposal of Surplus Goods

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved of the disposal of the following surplus goods. Motion carried 7-0.

• Hobart Refrigerator Unit, CVA Cafeteria

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

Approval of Overnight Field Trip Request

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved the following overnight field trip request. Motion carried 7-0.

• NJROTC Senior “Cruise” – San Diego, CA – 3/8/23-3/13/23

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

Approval of Award for Scoreboard Contract

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board approved the award for the scoreboard contract. Motion carried 7-0.

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

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – Regular Meeting

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Levi, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board adjourned their regular meeting at 8:50 P.M. Motion carried 7-0.

Stacey Griffith, District Clerk