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

• Valerie Day

• Jonah Levi (entered at approx. 7:07 p.m.)

Members Absent

• Matt Darrow (Illness)

Staff Present 

• Jeremy M. Rich, Supt.

• James Humphrey

• Kate Brien

• Sarah Enea

• Kim Vitale

• Devon Rappa

• Molly Ciallelo

• Lori Pickett

Guests Present

• Kelly Romeyn

• Sandy Sherwood, BOCES District Supt

• Stephen Coupe, BOCES Business Manager

• Holly Pullis, BOCES Board President

AGENDA CHANGES

Mr. Sanchez noted the following agenda changes.

• Superintendent’s Report - Update on Kids Hope USA

PRESENTATION

BOCES Administrative and Capital Budgets – 2023-2024

District Superintendent, Sandy Sherwood, along with BOCES Board of Education President, Holly Pullis, and Business Official, Stephen Coupe, provided a presentation on the 2023 – 2024 BOCES Administrative and Capital Budgets.  Mrs. Pullis discussed her background and goals of increasing clear, concise, and consistent communication within Boards of Education to ensure needs are being heard.  Mrs. Pullis discussed the main priorities of the Capital Project and acknowledged the upcoming retirement of Mrs. Sherwood and finding a successor.  Mrs. Sherwood and Mr. Coupe presented the BOCES Budget and provided information regarding upcoming events and programs available to students.  The Board of Education was offered an opportunity to ask questions.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Superintendent’s Report

Mr. Rich provided an update on the following:

• Administrative Transitions:  Mr. Rich discussed how administrative staff were transitioning to their new roles and reported things were going.  He also acknowledged the assistance provided by staff and Mrs. Canestrari, Assistant Superintendent.  He discussed the utilization of Administrative Cabinet meetings to discuss the transfers. 

• BOCES Annual Meeting – Mr. Rich announced that the BOCES Annual Meeting will be held on March 30, 2023, and reservations are due March 3, 2023.

• Board of Education Goals:  Mr. Rich reported that a comprehensive update on BOE Goals was provided today, February 15, 2023 to the Board members.  He stated this update overlaps with the Administrative Reports and are tied with the pillars.

• Musical:  Mr. Rich reported that this year’s musical will be held March 2-4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.  He discussed the potential snow dates for rescheduling if needed.

• Athletic Coordinator’s Report:  Mr. Rich gave an update on the athletic report as submitted by Mr. Olds.  Mr. Rich shared information on which teams will be playing in sectionals.

• Kids Hope USA:  Mr. Rich provided an update on Kids Hope USA which will be providing assistance to students at Barringer Road School; volunteers will be vetted by Kids Hope USA.

• Mr. Rich also added that a safety meeting took place regarding the School Resource Officers (SRO) to ensure a unified approach to maintaining safety across buildings.  Mrs. Wesolowski inquired if she remained on the safety committee and reported she was not aware of the scheduled meeting.

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

Administrative Reports

The Board received copies of the January 2023 Administrative Reports for their information.

• Mr. Rich reviewed the Administrative Reports and acknowledged the transitions occurring within the buildings. 

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

Business Official’s Report

The Board received copies of the January 2023 financial reports for their information.

• Mr. Humphrey discussed the January financials and debt service report, as well as areas of surplus capital that has offset costs/debt.  Mr. Humphrey noted the District’s intentions to continue to keep taxes low, indicating this was the goal of the merger.  Options were discussed for abilities to gradually increase taxes over the next few years versus a lump sum increase.  Mr. Humphrey further shared that ten years ago, at the time of the merger, the District was collecting more than we currently are in taxes, speaking to the successes of keeping taxes low.  Mr. Humphrey stated that the District does not control equalization rates, and acknowledged how this is unique with seven townships.  Mr. Sanchez inquired if there were any surprises in the government budget.  Mr. Rich and Mr. Humphrey responded that the District will be receiving full foundation aid and discussed how aid could differ year to year.  Mr. Humphrey reported that the District is ahead of where it was when it merged.

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

BOARD DISCUSSION

• Mr. Costin inquired regarding the master schedules and Physical Education (PE) Minutes at Jarvis.  Mr. Costin noted that the students are supposed to be receiving 120 minutes per day of PE minutes for certain grade levels.  Mr. Rich discussed efforts at increasing PE minutes and discussed outcomes of audits indicating that no school district is achieving 120 minutes per day.  Mr. Rich discussed approaches to balancing PE minutes with instructional time and barriers and benefits to these scenarios.  He shared that Mrs. Canestrari has been reviewing the master schedules for buildings to ensure efficiency.  Mr. Costin encouraged the District to continue working towards this for classroom benefit.  Mr. Humphrey acknowledged the various extracurricular and intramural opportunities throughout the day for students that have been PE centered.  Members of the Board discussed options for encouraging athletic involvement for students.  Mr. Rich acknowledged the pressure on students and the guilt on parents that exists.  The difficulties of filling sport teams was discussed as well as financial barriers and lack of interest. 

PUBLIC OPEN FORUM

• Sarah Enea, with the support of other guests/staff present, read a written statement asking the Board of Education to allow the use of rugs within the classrooms.  Guests present voiced their concern for alternative methods being used and provided demonstrations.  The Board asked for further context which Mr. Rich provided, and barriers and benefits were discussed.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION

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

CONSENT AGENDA

• At this time, Mrs. Day exited the LGI at approximately 8:59 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

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

• Regular Meeting – January 18, 2023

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

Acceptance of Retirement Notices

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

• Lorraine Burney, Music Teacher, Effective 6/30/23

• James Mott, English Teacher, Effective 6/30/23

(Copy of notices 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 Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved the unpaid leave of absence request.  Motion carried 5-0.

• Brittani Chadeayne, Teacher Aide, Eff. approx. 3/8/23

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

Approval of Reinstatement from Unpaid Leaves of Absence

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

• Katrina Palmiter, Teacher Aide, Effective Retro 1/3/23

• Nicole Monk, School Psychologist, Effective 2/6/23

• Danielle Gray, Teacher Aide, Effective 2/15/23

(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. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved the following personnel appointments/adjustments.  Motion carried 5-0.

Non-Instructional Appointments – Permanent:

• Christopher Doolen, Custodian, Eff. approx. 2/23/23*

• Kimberlin Deveans, Asst. Head Cook, Effective 3/1/23

• Sarah Allen, Food Service Helper, Effective 3/1/23

• Eunice Cotto, Food Service Helper, Effective 3/1/23

• JoEllen Schafer, Food Service Helper, Effective 3/1/23

• Angelina Aceto, Teacher Aide, Effective 3/1/23

• Brittani Chadeayne, Teacher Aide, Eff. approx. 3/1/23*

• Michelle Day, Teacher Aide, Effective 3/1/23

• Claritza Dennis, Teacher Aide, Effective 3/1/23

• Jessica Dennis, Teacher Aide, Effective 3/1/23

• Megan Des Champs, Teacher Aide, Eff. approx. 3/2/23*

• Kiya Edgett, Teacher Aide, Effective 3/1/23

• Allison Morgan, Teacher Aide, Effective 3/1/23

• Jennifer Ray-Beckett, Teacher Aide, Effective 3/1/23

• Caitlynn Riesel, Teacher Aide, Eff. approx. 3/15/23*

• Ashley Schorer, Teacher Aide, Eff. approx. 3/8/23*

• McKayla Totten, Teacher Aide, Effective 3/1/23

*Effective dates subject to change.

Non-Instructional Appointments - Six-Month Probationary:

• Alysia Dufresne, Teacher Aide – 6.25 hrs/day, Effective 1/30/23

• Renee Whitton, Food Service Helper – 5 hrs/day , Effective 2/7/23

Increase in Hours – Food Service Helper:

• Dulce Alcocer Romero, From 5 hrs/day to 5.75 hrs/day, Effective 2/6/23

Extracurricular Appointments – 2022-2023:

• Grade Level 1 Chair, Julie Delia

Mentor Appointments – 2022-2023:

• Tracy Voce, Mentor, Kaitlin Eisenhut-Freedman, Mentee

• Devon Rappa, Mentor, Kathryn Monahan, Mentee

Volunteer Appointments – 2022-2023:

• Adriana Keeler , Fisher Elementary School

Substitute Appointment – Long-Term:

• Michael Barse, LTS FCS Teacher, Eff. 1/30/23-6/30/23

Substitute Appointments:

• Fern Bailey, Substitute – Conditional*, Eff. approx. 1/31/23

*Conditional pending completion of BOCES Sub Service Process

Substitute Appointments – BOCES Sub Service:

• Fern Bailey

• Samantha Domion

• Gianna Frank

• Hannah Leonard

• Sirena Smith

• Morgan Stubley

Approval of Financial Reports 

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

• Financial Reports – January 2023

• Cash Account Summary – January 2023

• Internal Claims Auditors Log Summaries – January 2023

• Extracurricular Summary Report – January 2023

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

OLD BUSINESS

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. 

• January 4, 2023

• January 6, 2023

• January 9, 2023

• January 10, 2023

• January 11, 2023

• January 12, 2023

• January 13, 2023

• January 17, 2023

• January 18, 2023

• January 19, 2023

• January 24, 2023

• January 25, 2023

• January 26, 2023

• January 27, 2023

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

• At approximately 9:01 p.m., Mrs. Day reentered the LGI and was present for the remainder of the meeting.

Approval of Disposal of Surplus Goods

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved to dispose of the following surplus goods.  Motion carried 6-0. 

• CVA Library Discards – Inventory List dated 6/1/22 to 2/8/23

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

Policy Audit Review

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, there was an initial motion made by Mrs. Day, seconded by Mr. Costin, to approve the first reading of the policy audit review.  After further discussion, the Board decided to waive the second reading.  A new motion was made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, to then waive the second reading and adopt the policies as submitted.  In further discussion, Mrs. Wesolowski reported that a parent asked if a demand for retention could be made if the parent felt the child would benefit from more time.  Mr. Rich explained that the actual right to promote or retain ultimately lies with the District but that faculty collaborate with the parents.  Brief discussion continued.  Motion carried 6-0.

• #8100 Grade Placement, Retention and Promotion

• #8300 Educational Support Materials Selection - Delete

• #8300 Selection of Textbooks and Resource Materials – Replace current #8300

• #8301 Student Assignments and Assessment

• #8302 Courses Including Dissection of Animals

• #8304 Student Participation in State Testing

• #8400 Field Trips

• #8400.1 Field Trip – Procedure

• #8400.2 Field Trip – Request Form

• #8400.3 Notification Regarding a Field Trip – Not Sponsored by the District

• #8500 Special Education Programs and Services

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

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

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mrs. Day, the Board entered into Executive Session at 9:06 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.  Mr. Levi left the meeting at approximately 9:07 P.M. due to a work commitment.  Those present for the Executive Session were Jason Sanchez, Maggie Wesolowski, Jonathan Boucher, Travis Costin, Valerie Day, and Jeremy Rich. 

The Board was called out of their Executive Session at 9:25 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Day, the Board adjourned their regular meeting at 9:26 P.M.  Motion carried 5-0.

Stacey Griffith, District Clerk