The Board of Education’s regular meeting was called to order by President Jason Sanchez at 6:29 p.m. in the LGI at CVA. 

On a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mrs. Pattie Day, the Board entered into an Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Office Conference Room for the purpose of discussing:

• Personnel Matters; Matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of any particular person or corporation.

Motion carried 6-0.  Members present for the Executive Session were as follows: Jason Sanchez, Maggie Wesolowski, Pattie Day, Jonathon Boucher, Travis Costin, Valerie Day, Jeremy Rich, and James Humphrey.  The Board was called out of Executive Session at 7:00 p.m.  and returned to public session at 7:01 p.m. in the LGI.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all those present.

Members Present                                      

• Jason Sanchez, Pres.                                

• Maggie Wesolowski, V. Pres                                                        

• Jonathan Boucher                                      

• Travis Costin

• Pattie Day

• Valerie Day

Members Absent

• Matt Darrow  (Illness)

Staff Present

• Jeremy M. Rich, Supt.

• James Humphrey

• Alaine Canestrari

• Jim Mott

• Jon Cole

• Julie Ball

• Jonna Costin

• Charles Maxson

• Kim Obreza

• Shannon Darrow

Guests Present  (those signing in)

• Michael Durant

• Katherine Durant

• Sarah Chandler

• Christina Lyman

• Reese Judd

• Vicki Judd

• Cole DeLuca

• Jayda Seelbach

• Matt Dennis

• Jessica Dennis

• Timothy Dennis

• Elijah Chandler

• Jacob Miller

• Greg Durant

• Abigail Beckwith

• Eric Beckwith

• Christina Beckwith

• Amy Miller

• Nick Miller

• Ryan Meszler

• Ethan Meszler

• Katie Raffle

• Andy Vandawalker

• Katelyn Kane

• Zoey Brownrigg

• Victoria Gerena

• Molly Canipe

• Ryan Canipe

• Karlee Canipe

• Anne Murphy

• Anthony Crisino

• Joe Crisino

• Melanie Crisino

• Marissa Crisino

• William Obernesser

• Christina Hall

• Eric Hall

• Karlee Davis

• Derek Weiderman

• James Weiderman

• Becky Weiderman

• Avery Rich

• Izzy Terzioski

• Fran Marcuccio

• Connor Dempsey

• Deacon Judd

• Connor Obreza

• Molly Shepard

• Connor Ball

• Rob Raffle

• Amy Raffle

• Kevin Joyce

• Julie Joyce

• Christopher Joyce

• Anthony Joyce

• Bella Kleban

• Mari Ferdula

• Landon LaFountain

• Brynna Scalise

• Wendy DeLuca

• Kory DeLuca

• Matt Obreza

• FSJessica Canipe

• Molly Herringshaw

• Gino Scalise

• Renee Day

• Annamarie Lyman

• Carlina Mula

• Courtney White

• Alex Duga

• Kiera Wilbur

• Isabella White

• Dave Paddock

• Sue Paddock

• Liam Maxson

• Martinez

• Danielle Luke

• Mia Russo

• Lincoln Lynch

• Braden Moreau

• Sophia Watkins

• Liv Watkins

• Tria Rowland

• Gabby Grounds

• Kamryn Frank

• Madelyn Spatto

• Anna Donahue

• Nolan Tutty

• Madison Campione

• Meredith Vandawalker

• Lily Rivenburg

• Christopher Lally

• Grace Lally

• Chloe Salsman

• Zoe Craig

• Kelly Rowland

• William Obernesser

• Jared Hall

• David Ball

• Abigail Paddock

• Avery Hayes

• Will Luke

• Kevin Fike

AGENDA CHANGES        

There were no agenda changes.

PRESENTATION

Scholar Athlete Recognition Night

Mr. Rich welcomed the large crowd of students and parents present and expressed the importance of recognizing the students accomplishments on the field, in the classroom, and within arts programs.  Mr. Rich reported he was proud of the students and described them as role models.  Mr. Rich introduced Mr. Mott, Athletic Director; Mr. Mott discussed his transition from Teacher to Athletic Director, and discussed bringing back the Scholar Athlete Recognition Night back for the first time after COVID.  Mr. Mott introduced the coaches who announced and recognized scholar athlete recipients on their teams. 

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

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Superintendent’s Report

• Passing of Mr. Charlie Pratt

  • Review of Proceedings

  • Moving Forward

  • Ideas for Funds/Donations

• Athletic Trainer

• Athletic Coordinator’s Report

• Weekly Update

•  Mr. Rich discussed the procedural handling of the death of Jarvis Middle School Principal, Mr. Charles Pratt.  Mr. Rich reported he was proud of the faculty and staff as well as area school districts that supported Central Valley CSD.  Mr. Rich stated that Mr. Luke Manolescu will hold the position as Interim Middle School Principal until his upcoming resignation from the District in August.  Mr. Rich reported that Mrs. Canestrari, Assistant Superintendent, has been assisting with coverage and transitional needs at Jarvis Middle School and explained that the District would be posting for the position of Middle School Principal; posting and candidates processes were discussed along with a timeline for succession.

• Mr. Rich explained that there would be a ThoughtExchange implemented for individuals to provide feedback on how to utilize the generous donations that have been provided to Jarvis Middle School in memory of Mr. Pratt.  Mr. Rich discussed how students and staff have been creating memorials in Mr. Pratt’s memory.

• Mr. Mott provided an update regarding Huddle Camera systems.  Mrs. Pattie Day inquired if there could be instructions placed on the website so the sporting events are accessible by all viewers.  Mr. Costin inquired regarding policy revisions Mr. Mott referred to in the Athletic Coordinator’s Report regarding the APP policies.  Mr. Mott explained his intention to increase transparency regarding students testing up and the corresponding processes.  Mr. Mott reported that a student testing up should come from the recommendation of the coach with guidance from the section’s policy.  Mr. Mott discussed equity and the statistics across grade levels for students testing up currently.

• An update was provided regarding the ongoing search for an Athletic Trainer and the continued need.  Members of the Board and Administrators discussed tailoring expectations to secure a trainer for bigger events as a start.  Options were discussed such as collaborating with local colleges to secure student interns to assist. 

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

Administrative Reports

• Mrs. Alaine Canestrari, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update regarding Administrators roles and current needs.  Mrs. Canestrari discussed visibility of staff and connection with staff during this transitional time of grief after the death of Mr. Pratt.  Mrs. Canestrari explained how she had been assisting between buildings and shared the memorials in place honoring Mr. Pratt.  Mr. Rich and Mrs. Canestrari acknowledged the efforts of staff, including Mrs. Sally McCann-Kramas, Director of Human Resources, who organized counseling support.  There were no Administrative Reports developed this month due to these events.   Mr. Rich discussed rotating coverage when administrators are absent and the desire to have administrators be more present within buildings, but also explained how job descriptions of these positions can limit this.  Mrs. Canestrari discussed grants for summer school as well as data collection for the SPED Audit.

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

Business Official’s Report

• The Board was provided with the Business Official’s Report for their review.  Mr. Humphrey discussed the December financials to include salary and benefit projections.  Scenarios for Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) were discussed for competitive wages, and Mr. Humphrey discussed board action and legal guidance that would be required to implement such adjustments due to contractual changes that would result.  Mr. Humphrey discussed the loss of employees due to current wages and the potentials of opening contractual agreements.  Mr. Rich discussed timeline of contractual negotiations in conjunction with his retirement plan and succession in approximately five years; he further explained that for a smooth transition upon his retirement, it would not be ideal for a new superintendent to have to enter immediately into contract negotiations. 

• Mr. Humphrey further discussed financials and impacts to financial aid and fund balances for our district and others.  Mr. Humphrey discussed upcoming projects and how aid may differ; Mr. Humphrey stated that the focus will remain on spending, not what is thought that district will receive.  Continued benefits of the merger were discussed including stabilized taxes, improved facilities, sustainable programs, while following recommendations of the state has benefited our funding.  Continued discussion of tax costs occurred and potentials of 0% or less than 1% tax increases were discussed.

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

BOARD DISCUSSION

• Mrs. Pattie Day inquired regarding certain funds spent within the Business Official’s Report.  Mrs. Pattie Day also inquired regarding attendance at legislative forums;  Mr. Rich stated he receives this information through the NYSCOSS conference and educates the Board after. 

• It was announced that the upcoming OHM BOCES Showcase was coming up.

• Mrs. Pattie Day announced that upon the expiration of her term as Board of Education Member in June of 2024, she will not be running for re-election due to personal reasons and expressed her appreciation to the Board.  Mr. Rich expressed his appreciation for her support over the last year. 

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 Maggie Wesolowski, seconded by Pattie Day, the Board approved the following minutes.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Regular Meeting – December 20, 2023

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

Acceptance of Resignations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Maggie Wesolowski, seconded by Pattie Day, the Board approved the following resignations.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Mitchell Werenczak, Building Maintenance Helper, Effective 1/2/24

• Abigale Polhamus, Food Service Helper, Effective 1/6/24

• Caitlynn Riesel, Teacher Aide, Effective 1/12/24

• Allison Morgan, Teacher Aide, Effective 1/19/24

• Michael Mlinar, Building Cleaner, Effective 1/12/24

• Jordan Ingraham, Building Cleaner, Effective 1/15/24

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

Approval of Unpaid Leave of Absence

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Maggie Wesolowski, seconded by Pattie Day, the Board approved the following unpaid leave of absence requests.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Leta Williams, Teacher Aide, Effective 1/8/24 until further notice

Approval of Termination of Employment

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Maggie Wesolowski, seconded by Pattie Day, the Board approved the following termination of services.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Megan DesChamps, Teacher Aide, Effective 1/3/24

Approval of Personnel Appointments/Adjustments

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Maggie Wesolowski, seconded by Pattie Day, the Board approved the following Personnel Appointments/Adjustments.  Motion carried 6-0.

Administrative Appointments – Interim Middle School Principal:

• Luke Manolescu, Interim Middle School Principal, Effective 1/8/24

Instructional Appointments – Long-Term Substitute – Uncertified:

• Jose Lopez, Spanish Teacher, Effective 1/8/24

Non-Instructional Appointments –  Permanent:

• Adam Waldo, Senior Custodian, Effective 1/27/24

• James Catalina, Custodian, Effective 2/23/24

Non-Instructional Appointment:

• Allison Morgan, Athletic Supervisor, Effective 1/20/24

Substitute Appointment:  

• Mitchell Werenczak, Sub. Building Maintenance Helper, Effective 1/3/24

• Dylan Moore, Substitute Building Cleaner, Effective 1/12/24

Mentor Appointment – 2023-2024:

• John Kearney, Mentor, Jose Lopez, Mentee

Establishment of Extracurricular Clubs for Fundraising Purposes – 2023-2024:

• Middle School Travel Club, Luke Manolescu, Advisor – No Stipend

Approval of Financial Reports 

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Maggie Wesolowski, seconded by Pattie Day, the Board approved the following financial reports.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Financial Reports – December 2023

• Cash Account Summary – December 2023

• Internal Claims Auditors Log Summaries – December 2023

• Extracurricular Summary Report – December 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 Travis Costin, seconded by Valerie Day, the Board approved the arrangement of services for the following CSE/CPSE/504 Accommodation Plan Meetings.  Motion carried 6-0.

• December 4, 2023              

• December 6, 2023              

• December 7, 2023                

• December 8, 2023     

• December 12, 2023   

• December 14, 2023   

• December 15, 2023

• December 18, 2023

• December 19, 2023

• December 20, 2023

• December 21, 2023

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

Approval of Resolution Authorizing Participation in Cooperative Energy Purchasing Service (NYSMEC) for Natural Gas

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Maggie Wesolowski, seconded by Travis Costin, the Board approved the following resolution authorizing participation in Cooperative Energy Purchasing Service (NYSMEC) for Natural Gas.  Motion carried 6-0.

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

NEXT MEETING:    February 28, 2024 – Regular Meeting

SECOND EXECUTIVE SESSION

On a motion made by Mrs. Pattie Day, seconded by Mrs. Valerie Day, the Board entered into a second Executive Session at 9:02 p.m. in the High School Conference Room for the purposes of discussing:

• Personnel Matters; 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, Pattie Day, Valerie Day and Jeremy Rich.  The Board was called out of their Executive Session at 9:50 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Pattie Day, seconded by Valerie Day, the Board adjourned their regular meeting at 9:51 p.m.  Motion carried 6-0.

Stacey Gurtowski, District Clerk