Sept. 10, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Pine Bush Board of Education –September 10, 2019 

REGULAR MEETING – Pine Bush High School 

Members Present

  • Gretchen Meier, President
  • Cara Robertson, Vice President
  • Kristin Graessle
  • Dori Johnson
  • Kristi Kheiralla                                                                                 
  • Matthew Watkins

 

Members Absent:

  • Ross Tompkins

 

Others Present

  • Tim Mains, Superintendent of Schools 
  • Donna Geidel, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction                                                              
  • Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business              
  • Deborah June, District Clerk
  • Approximately 189 residents/students/staff members

 

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by President Gretchen Meier with the following motion offered:

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 5:36 PM

YES – 6           NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Consideration of Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education adjourn to executive session at approximately 5:37 PM regarding Attorney/Client Privilege, Board Communications, Litigation, Particular Contracts

YES – 6           NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Robertson second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education adjourn from executive session at approximately 6:54 PM.

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Return to Regular Session

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education return to public session at approximately 7:02 PM.

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Public Session Resumes / Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance

President Gretchen Meier welcomed those in attendance, resuming public session of the regular meeting, and requested all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, noting the time at approx. 7:03 PM, as well as a requesting a Pine Bush student to lead the Pledge.

 

Student Recognition

The Board of Education recognized the following students for achieving a score of 5 on their AP Exams during the 2018-2019 school year:   

2018-2019 Grade 10, AP European History

  • Georgia Camacho
  • Krista Edwards
  • Alexander O’Flaherty

 

2018-2019 Grade 11, AP US History

  • James Acton
  • Dylan Cline-Larsen
  • Trent Cline-Larsen
  • Dylana Gutierrez
  • Corey Irwin
  • Tyler Landivar
  • Katherine Langlitz
  • Salvatore Mecca
  • Ellen Schoenberg
  • John (Jack) Torpey
  • Paul Viscardo

2018-2019 Grade 12 (Graduates) AP US Government and Politics

  • Aidan Alwang
  • Christopher Gibson
  • Nora Hines
  • Emily Morse
  • Karina Villanueva Frausto
  • Ashley Weisman

 

2018-2019 Grade 11 AP English Language and Composition

  • James Acton
  • Trent Cline Larsen
  • Micahla Marner
  • Ellen Schoenberg
  • John (Jack) Torpey

 

2018-2019 Grade 12 (Graduate) AP Chemistry

  • Kristi Zelonis

 

2018-2019 AP (Graduate) Physics

  • Kiyan Hocek

 

2018-2019 AP Computer Science Principles

  • Justin Ceiley (Grade 11)
  • Mya Karinchak (Graduate)

 

The Board of Education recognized the following students for achieving a score of 100 on their Regents Exams during the 2018-2019 school year:   

2018-2019 Transition Regents Exam in Global History and Geography (Grade 10)

  • Caleb Arena
  • Georgia Camacho
  • Holly Kolmel

 

2018-2019 Regents Common Core Exam – Algebra I (Grade 8)

  • Jade Armstrong
  • Giovanna Brooks
  • Pooja Patel

 

2018-2019 Regents U.S. History and Government (Grade 11)

  • Aaliyah Austin
  • Katherine Langlitz

 

2018-2019 Regents Common Core Exam in Geometry (Grade 9)

  • Madeleine Cerone
  • Julian Lazaro
  • Gabrielle Rodriguez

 

2018-2019 Regents Common Core Exam in English Language Arts (Grade 11)

  • Allison Demetres
  • Katherine Langlitz
  • John (Jack) Torpey

 

2018-2019 Regents Physical Setting/Physics (Grade 11)

  • Tyler Landivar
  • John (Jack) Torpey

 

2018-2019 Regents Physical Setting/Chemistry (Grade 10)

  • Alexander O’Flaherty

 

President Meier thanked all for attending this wonderful presentation.

 

BOE Amends Agenda

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education amend the agenda to include a walk on resolution regarding a waiver of a potential conflict of interest for a contract negotiation.

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Minutes

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the August 20, 2019 board meetings as submitted by the District Clerk.         

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools

Consent Agenda

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education approve the following revised consent agenda as submitted by the Superintendent of Schools:

Note: Tonight’s consent agenda includes the appointment of the following new personnel:

  • Marissa Schellace – Elementary Teacher
  • Laura Betty – School Secretary
  • Molly Meres – Teaching Assistant
  • Katelyn Newman – School Secretary

 

Resignations

Instructional

  • Erin Toomey, resignation from her position as a 1.0 FTE Math Teacher- Secondary, effective at the close of business on September 02, 2019.
  •  Christine Cosh, resignation from her position as a 6.5 hours/day Teaching Assistant, effective at the close of business on September 3, 2019. 

 

Non-Instructional

  • Marisol Burgos, rescind the resignation from her position as a 6.0 hours (actual 6.5)/day School Monitor effective at the close of business August 26, 2019.  
  • Nancy D’Alto, resignation, for the purpose of retirement, from her position as a 3.0 hours/day Food Service Helper, effective at the close of business August 20, 2019.  
  • Diane Higgins, resignation from her position as a 3.5 hours/day Food Service Helper effective at the close of business September 6, 2019.  

 

Leave of Absence

Instructional

  • Dorota Dziadosz, request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 4.0 hours/day School Monitor, effective September 3, 2019 through September 27, 2019. 

 

Appointments 

Instructional   

  • Lillian Kurisko, who holds a Permanent certificate in Biology – General Science 7-12, be appointed to the position of 1.0 FTE Permanent Substitute in the Science tenure area, for the period of September 3, 2019 and ending December 6, 2019.  Salary Level MA60, Step 6 of the salary schedule.
  • Marissa Schellace, who holds an Initial Time Extension certificate in Childhood Education 1-6 and Initial certificate in Literacy (Birth-6), be appointed as a part-time, non-tenure bearing position of 0.5 FTE Teacher in the Elementary tenure area, effective September 3, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020.  Salary Level MA, Step 1of the salary schedule. 
  • Molly Meres, who holds a Teaching Asst Level I certificate, be appointed on probation as a part-time, non tenure bearing, 6.0 Hour/Day Teaching Assistant, effective  September 9, 2019, salary  as per contract (pro-rated).

 

Non-Instructional

  • Bryan Blancato, amended appointment to reflect position as a probationary full-time 12/month year Custodial Worker position, effective August 21, 2019 salary as per contract (pro-rated).
  • Patricia Paoli, increase in hours to a 6.75 hours/day (from 6.0 hours/day) in her position of School Monitor, effective September 3, 2019 salary as per contract.
  • Diana Bowe, increase in hours to a 7.0 hours/day (from 5.5 hours/day) in her position of School Monitor, effective September 3, 2019 salary as per contract.
  • Donna Monahan, increase in hours to a 7.0 hours/day (from 6.0 hours/day) in her position of School Monitor, effective September 3, 2019 salary as per contract.
  • Cindy Rivera, increase in hours to a 3.0 hours/day (from 2.0 hours/day) in her position of School Monitor, effective September 3, 2019 salary as per contract.      
  • Laura Betty, probationary appointment as a full-time 12 month/year School Secretary, effective September 24, 2019 at an annual salary as per contract (pro-rated), noting she is certified for such appointment through the Orange County Department of Human Resources. *Such appointment is conditioned upon the District’s receipt of clearance for employment from the N.Y. State Education Department relating to the fingerprinting and criminal history record check of the prospective school employees. The emergency conditional segments of the appointments shall commence as of September 11, 2019 and shall not exceed twenty (20) business days.
  • Katelyn Newman probationary appointment as a full-time 12 month/year School Secretary, effective September 23, 2019 at an annual salary as per contract (pro-rated), noting she is certified for such appointment through the Orange County Department of Human Resources. *Such appointment is conditioned upon the District’s receipt of clearance for employment from the N.Y. State Education Department relating to the fingerprinting and criminal history record check of the prospective school employees. The emergency conditional segments of the appointments shall commence as of September 11, 2019 and shall not exceed twenty (20) business days.

 

Per Diem Substitutes

Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes (or tutor) effective September 11, 2019, or as noted, at board approved per diem substitute rates:

  • Candace Gavazzi*
  • Lori Helbeck
  • Robin Hults
  • Melissa Offenheiser*
  • Courtney Roberts (effective 9/3/2019)
  • Karen Rodriguez*

*Such appointment is conditioned upon the District’s receipt of clearance for employment from the N.Y. State Education Department relating to the fingerprinting and criminal history record check of the prospective school employees. The emergency conditional segments of the appointments shall commence as of September 11, 2019 and shall not exceed twenty (20) business days.

Co-Curricular

Sixth-Period Assignment

Circleville Middle School

Board approval of the following instructional staff member teaching a sixth period/additional assignment for the 2019-2020 school year at an annual contractual stipend of $5,500:  

  • Romulo Gabriel, Science
  • Maggy Godinez Garcia, Spanish

 

Pine Bush High School

Board approval the following instructional staff member teaching a sixth period/additional assignment for the 2019-2020 school year at an annual contractual stipend of $5,500:  

  • Daniel Edwards, Spanish
  • Cindy Ortiz, Spanish

 

Pine Bush High School             

Board approval to rescind the following instructional staff member teaching a sixth period/additional assignment for the 2019-2020 school year:

  • Brittany Langlitz, Science

 

Extra Period Duty – UA

Circleville Middle School:

Board approval for the appointment of the following instructional staff members assigned supervision as an extra sixth period duty for the 2019-2020 school year, stipend as per contract.

  • Peter Gehres
  • Jennifer Wagner

 

Extra-Curricular

Board approval of the following extra-curricular appointments for the school year at the appropriate extra-curricular stipend:

Circleville Middle School

  • Lisa Frey, Drama Club Co-Advisor, Level V, Step 1 (2)
  • Deanna Feuerbach, Drama Club Co-Advisor, Level V, Step 1 (1)

 

Supervision for MS After-School Detention Program/ISS

Board approval of the following staff members to cover supervision for Middle School After-school Detention Program for the 2019-2020 school year at the rate of $20/hour: (Monday through Thursday: 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.)                                                                   

Crispell Middle School

  • Rosemarie Bartlett
  • Kathleen Novins

 

Interscholastic                                                 

Board approval of the following interscholastic fall coaching appointment for the 2019-2020 school year at the appropriate interscholastic stipend:          

Girls Soccer 

  • Patricia Hoehmann, Modified Coach @ Level III, Step 1 (1)

 

Football

  • Matthew Boffalo, Modified Coach @ Level III, Step 5(5)

 

Supervision       

Board approval of the following the appointment for the following school personnel for supervision duties in connection with Fall, Winter, and Spring sporting events during the 2019-2020 school year at the rate of $20/hour: 

  • Jaime Adamec 
  • Brooke Armida
  • Alexa Balkissoon            
  • Kevin Blackwell               
  • Jen Byrne           
  • Jean Clark          
  • Arlene Cooper 
  • Wendy Crandall              
  • Chris Curnan     
  • Coleen Duffy    
  • Mark Eckerson 
  • Dan Edwards     
  • Laurie Eller        
  • Julie Facciolla   
  • Brian Fenical     
  • Martha Gillespie            
  • Keri Giuliano
  • Cindy Gloster   
  • April Grieco      
  • Corinne Griffin                
  • Ruth Holt           
  • Angelina Jadrossich       
  • Kimberly Jones
  • Jen Kirby
  • Kevin Kreeger
  • Robert Lawrence
  • Jim Licardi
  • Lanier Lopez
  • Anthony Mancuso
  • Gary Manheim
  • Maryanne Manion
  • Jonathan Matz
  • Shannon Meland
  • Annette Michelitch
  • Eric Moller
  • William McMonigle
  • Donna Monahan
  • Katrina Morin
  • Sandra Mullarkey
  • Kathleen Novins
  • Patricia Paoli
  • Judy Parsells
  • Robert Pawson
  • Peter Prokopchak
  • Margie Ramirez
  • Michael Reineke
  • Patrick Reiser
  • Holly Shader
  • Barbara Sherman
  • Denise Strype
  • Scott Van Pelt
  • Terry Vetter
  • Jennifer Wagner
  • Tammy Weeden
  • Rita Wensley
  • Linda Westerfield
  • Allison White
  • Kim White
  • Helen Wilson
  • Margaret Winsper
  • Maria Wise

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Town of Crawford  and Town of Wallkill SRO Agreements

MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:    

RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is authorized to execute an agreement with the Town of Crawford and the Town of Wallkill for the purpose of facilitation and implementation of the School Resources Officer program for the school year, in accordance with the agreement on file with the District Clerk.

Date: September 10, 2019

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of CSE & CPSE Placement Recommendations

MOVED by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education placement recommendations as submitted by the CSE & CPSE Chairpersons, and reviewed by Trustee Meier.

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Participation in Personalized Learning Cohort

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:     

RESOLVED, that the Pine Bush Central School District affirms its continued participation in the National Cohort of Schools committed to implementing Personalized Learning, and be it further resolved that the Superintendent of Schools is authorized to affirm our commitment.       

Date: September 10, 2019           

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Presentation: Opening of School

Superintendent Tim Mains provided a brief overview of our opening week.  Noting we had an incredibly successful opening of school. The opening day for teachers was very well received and teachers expressed many positive remarks regarding the opening day invocation. Both the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent visited all schools on the day school opened for students. The district had a very strong kick off for academics, and in visiting the schools students were learning and engaged. The SRO’s were in place, as well.  Mr. Mains stated each year we have the chance for another “re-start” and this year all seem to be excited for the new school year.

 

Presentation: High School Academy Program

Principal Aaron Hopmayer presented a report on the Academy Program. Some of the highlights of his presentation included the following:  

  • Academy Program
  • Alignment to Strategic Plan
  • Domain 3: Relationship Domain/Crucial Connections
  • Goal 2: Provide frequent opportunities for students to apply their learning in real world settings.
  • Goal 4: Expand partnerships with parents, businesses and agencies in support of student learning and development.

Review of Strategic Partnerships

Leadership and Law Academy

  • Town of Crawford Police Department
  • United States Army

Aviation Academy

  • Pratt & Whitney / Advanced Coating Technologies
  • United States Army

Medical Academy

  • Touro Medical College
  • United States Army                                       
  • Crystal Run Healthcare
  • Orange Regional Medical Center

Science Academy

  • SUNY Cortland Outdoor Education Center at Antlers in Raquette Lake

Advanced Manufacturing Academy

  • Haas Automation
  • Allendale Machinery Systems/Haas Factory Outlet
  • Hudson Valley Council of Industry
  • Polaris University Powersports Program
  • Lloydz Motorworkz
  • Polaris

STEAM Academy

  • Lloydz Motorworkz
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)

The presentation continued reviewing the activities for each of the following academies: Advanced Manufacturing / Intructor Kenneth Marshall, Fine Art Academy / Instructor Julie Palinkas,  Summer STEM Academy/Instructs: Patrick Reiser, Daniel Aktas, Allison White,  Leadership and Law Academy/Instructors Mitch Silverberg, Daniel Conley, Andy Britto, Renae Bray, Kevin Blackwell, Jonathan Lozier.  , US Army Steven Long, SSG, Crawford Polic Milton Skoufis, and the Aviation Academy / Instructor Erin Toomey. Plans for the future include the following:

  • FIRST Robotics
  • “Expanded Learning Beyond the classroom and the school day.” (Domain 3, Goal 3)
  • Internships – Council of Industry
  • Manufacturing Day and evening showcase.
  • Increased job shadowing and student employment opportunities.

Mr. Hopmayer was thanked for his presentation and for his continuing efforts.

 

Presentation: Secondary Summer School Report (PBHS)

Brian Miros, Summer School Administrator presented a report on Secondary Summer School. A PowerPoint was provided. Some of the highlights of the presentation included the following which began with a review of the registration process which took place on July 1 and 2, 2019. Course offerings, faculty, format, student progress/student enrollment, followed by Regents Boot Camp as follows:

Course Offerings:

  • Academic courses were offered in:  English, Social Studies, Common Core Algebra I, and Physical Education
  • Grad Point online classes were offered as well for students to work independently:  Forensics, math electives, English, Health are just some of the courses offered.
  • Special Education services were available for students as well.

Faculty:

  • The 9-12 Secondary Summer School staff included Pine Bush certified teachers, and three certified teachers from out of district. 
  • The Summer School staff was assisted by one Librarian, one nurse, 3 clerks, and two security members.

Format:

  • Summer School classes were held in the 170’s wing of the High School building beginning July 8th and ran through Monday August 12, 2019
  • Local examinations/projects were given prior to the regents exams, which were administered Tuesday August 13 and Wednesday August 14, 2019
  • The Regular school day consisted of three periods, each 120 minutes in length:  Period 1 (8:00-10:00), Period 2 (10:05-12:05), Period 3 (12:10-2:10) (Gradpoint/Economics)

Progress/Student Enrollment

Teachers were encouraged to make frequent parental contact via phone/email.  Progress reports were mailed home, midterm grades and final exam grades were printed from school tool and mailed home as well.

Enrollment:

  • Students:  84  Services:  161
  • English 10: 12             Global 10:  8           Gradpoint: 64
  • English 11:  12          US History:  8           CC Algebra I: 20
  • Global 9:  13            Government:  5        Physical Ed:  21

 

Regents Boot Camp/August 2019 Regents:

Regents Boot camp prep classes were made available for students who were not enrolled in class but needed to pass their respective regents exams

  • August 2019 Regents:  235 students

In conclusion, an August graduation was held on August 15, 2019 in the high school auditorium with a celebration immediately following. Seven students successful completed the summer program and graduated. Mr. Miros summarize this program stating the following: The dedication and hard work that the staff put into helping making our program a success is a tribute to them and our students benefited.  Graduation for our seniors was a highlight. Mr. Miros was thanked by the Board for his presentation.

 

Presentation: Human Rights Academy

John Tobin presented on our Human Rights Academy. A PowerPoint was provided.  He began with a review of the following instructors who participated:

  • Alexa Balkissoon– CVMS
  • Janine Brutvan– Cripsell
  • Katie Green– Crispell
  • Heather Hennessey– Crispell
  • Sean Powell– Crispell 
  • John Tobin– Crispell

The presentation continued with a review as follows:

Human Rights Issue for the summer of 2019: Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

  • “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services.”

Day 1: Team building and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

Day 2: Financial awareness and causes of food and standard of living insecurities;

Day 3: Construction of our Kindness Closets, media commercials and logistics to sustain the closets;

Day 4: Visit to the FDR Historical Home and Museum.

In conclusion, he expressed his thanks to the following for their assistance:

  • Stiles Najac– Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Kitty Brown– Mohonk Consultation
  • Tammy Sullivan– CVMS Nurse
  • Diane Tjornhom– Crispell Nurse
  • FDR Historical Home and Museum
  • Administration
  • Board of Education
  • CVMS main office and food service

Members of the Board of Education thanked Mr. Tobin for his presentation.

 

Presentation: Agricultural Academy

Shawn Powell presented on our Agricultural Academy. A PowerPoint was be provided. He made mention that Lisa Metz and Janine Brutvan assisted with this program, however, we unable to be in attendance that evening.

The students participating in the academy constructed a greenhouse and Mr. Powell shared some of the highlights of this project and other adventures the students took part in:

Events of the Week:

  • Monday – Began working on the greenhouse, unboxing all of the materials; made fermented pickles; weeding garden behind the greenhouse;
  • Tuesday – Field Trip to Kelder’s Farm; learned about farm’s history; importance of eating local Picked blueberries; learned to make yogurt and bread;
  • Wednesday – Worked on the sides of the greenhouse; Students made smoothies and dips for lunch;
  • Thursday – Finished the end of the greenhouse; assembled doors; baked bread for lunch.

Several photos were displayed of the students amidst their projects. Many individuals were actively involved and Mr. Powell thanked the following: Mr. Mains, Mrs. Geidel, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Mummery, Mr. and Mrs. Korpai, Mr. Garmendiz, all of the other parents and students who gave tremendous effort, Ms. Metz and Mrs. Brutvan.

The board was appreciative of their efforts. President Meier thanked Mr. Powell on behalf the board and her family, most specially the late Eric Meier (brother-in-law and former school board member), who would have been thrilled.

 

Update/Discussion: Verizon Wireless

Superintendent Tim Mains provided an update pertaining to consideration of a mini cell phone tower with Verizon Wireless on the south end of the district, followed by a board discussion, noting various opinions were expressed.

He began explaining the process that had previously taken place to get us to this point. As everyone is aware the district has little to no cell service on the south end of the district. Due to safety concerns of not having adequate cell service in the Circleville area, most specifically for safety, the district reached out to cell tower companies due to this safety issue. Initially, we only heard from one carrier, Verizon, who submitted a proposal to put up a mini tower. Verizon attend a board meeting last Spring to provide l details of their proposal. After the Verizon’s presentation, T-Mobile expressed an interest in this venture, however, since that time T-Mobile is unable to proceed. The Superintendent explained if the District is interested in moving forward, we would need to go to the Town of Wallkill to move forward with the process. Verizon would do all of the leg work but we would be working jointly with them as we proceed with the Town of Wallkill permit process. The Superintendent asked the board members for their input as to consideration of moving forward with a mini tower. A discussion ensued with various opinions. Some of the comments/concerns/recommendations mentioned included the following: Will a 9-1-1 emergency call go through for someone with a cell phone that does not have Verizon as their carrier; Potential health concerns; Recommendation to put on school website for residents ability to offer concerns or comments; Recommendation for community forum,  Need to clearly weigh in on pros/cons of mini tower. In conclusion, at this time, it was determined by the board to move forward with a public forum to obtain a better feel of the community pulse on this topic. The Superintendent will also reach out to Verizon Wireless, and other outside agencies (i.e.scientists, OCCC, SUNY New Paltz) to be in attendance. This forum will be sufficiently advertised to provide maximum communication for parents and residents to attend.

 

SUPERINTENDENT STATEMENT PERTAINING TO TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS:

Superintendent Tim Mains provided a brief statement prior to public participation to explain why and how the transportation changes were made, noting it is an ongoing process. All concerns will be addressed, keeping in mind #1 goal is to respond to all concerns brought forth and to get all students to and from school safely.

In conclusion of his comments, Mr. Mains stated we may not all agree, but requested parents/residents to be patient as safety is most important for the district and Birnie Bus. Mr. Mains concluded by thanking Mr. Pacella, Mrs. Geidel, Mr. Wickham, and naming several support staff members at district office and support staff at special programs, as well as, staff members from Birnie Bus.

 

Public Participation

President Meier opened the first public participation at approx. 8:13 PM requesting no personal references.

Some of the following comments/questions/concerns were raised:

  • Approximately 50+ residents/parents/guardians/employees expressed various comments/ concerns and recommendations pertaining to the transportation of students and new bus routes.
  • Cell service for 9-1-1 purpose is important;
  • Some board members offered comments regarding the concerns expressed regarding the new bus routes.

(Public participation ended approximately 11:04 PM)

 

Acknowledge Receipt and Acceptance of Donation

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of a donation 10 backpacks filled with school supplies for students on behalf of the Stewart Air National Guard, provided to the district by Staff Sgt. Shawn Dailey and Airman Benvenuto.

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Upcoming Board Meetings, Events / Old, New Business / Updates

Our upcoming board meetings and events were announced Tuesday evening.

The start time for the regular sessions of our board meetings –   7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.       

Regular Board Meetings:

  • Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle School
  • Monday, October 7, 2019, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush High School

 

Other District Meetings:

  • September 23, 2019, 5:00 PM at District Office Audit Committee Mtg.

 

Upcoming Events:

  • September 18, 2019 Early Dismissal Drill
  • September 26, 2019 at 7:00 PM PBHS National Honor Society Induction
  • September 30, 2019 Rosh Hashanah – No School
  • Dictionary Presentations by Wallkill East Rotary at Elementary Schools   

                E. J. Russell Elementary School: October 15, 2019 at 9:20 AM

                Pine Bush Elementary School: October 15, 2019 at 10:15 AM

                Pakanasink Elementary School: October 17, 2019 at 9:20 AM

                Circleville Elementary School: October 17, 2019 at 10:15 AM

 

  • October 29, 2019, MHSSC Staff Development Workshop, 4:30 PM dinner/5:00 PM program to be held at Mt. St. Mary College presented by the law firm of Thomas, Drohan, Waxman, Petigrow & Mayle, LLP entitled Tinker at 50: How Have Technology & Political Discourse Affected the Analysis?

(advise Debbie June or Jayna McAteer if interested in attending).

 

Board Discussion: Strategic Goals – TABLED

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Watkins, that the Board of Education table the Strategic Goals discussion to the next meeting.

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of Resolution Pertaining to Waiver of Potential Conflict of Interest for a Contract Negotiation

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the law firm of Hogan Lovells, I-LP (“Hogan Lovells”) presently represents the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District (“District”) as special counsel in several capacities arising from a lawsuit that garnered national attention; and

WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Schools desires to retain Hogan Lovells in connection with negotiating an extension to his employment contract with the District; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Education is willing to waive any potential conflict of interest that might arise from Hogan Lovell’s representation of the Superintendent in connection with negotiating an extension to his employment contract with the District;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Pine Bush Central School District waives any potential conflict of interest to enable Hogan Lovells to represent the Superintendent of

Schools in connection with negotiating an extension to his employment contract with the District; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President be authorized to execute the Waiver of Potential Conflict of Interest in the form annexed hereto.

Date Adopted: September 10, 2019

YES – 5   NO – 1  (G.Meier)  MOTION CARRIED (Absent R. Tompkins)

Roll Call

K. Graessle   Yes                      M. Watkins     Yes

K. Kheiralla   Yes       C. Robertson   Yes

D. Johnson    Yes       G. Meier           No

 

Business & Finance

Claims Auditor’s Reports

MOVED by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the following Claims Auditor’s Reports as submitted:

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0011 dated 8/13/2019 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 580,693.20

  • Cafeteria Fund (8 checks 004946-004953)   $   19,324.84
  • General Fund (37 checks 059472-059508)    $  561,368.36

                        Total        $   580,693.20

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0012 dated 8/22/2019 payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $ 216,802.37

  • Trust & Agency Acct. (5 checks 003969-003973)    $              216,802.37

                     Total          $     216,802.37

 

Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant #0013, dated 8/29/2019 check run, authorizing payments in   the amount of $ 4,312,198.29

  • Cafeteria Fund (5 checks 004954-004958)     $   3,096.06
  • Crispell SAF (1 check 002307)   $   350.00
  • HS Activity Fund  (3 checks 003896-003898)  $ 13,148.43                                         
  • Trust & Agency Acct. (0 checks)  $    10,756.85
  • Federal Fund (9 checks 002458-002466)   $  253,680.83                                         
  • General Fund (122 check 059510- 059631)   $   4,030,432.12
  • District Activity AC (1 check 004663)  $   734.00

                             Total          $     4,312,198.29

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

District Treasurer’s Report

MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education acknowledged receipt and acceptance of the following District Treasurer’s Report for the periods of July 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019 .

General Fund Reports: 

  • Monthly Treasurer’s Reports / Transfers
  • Budget Status

Monthly Treasurer’s Reports / Budget Status for:

  • School Lunch Fund
  • Capital Fund
  • Federal Fund

Monthly Treasurer’s Reports for:

  • Trust & Agency Fund     
  •  District-wide Activity Fund
  • Student Activity Funds for: Pine Bush High School, Circleville Middle School and Crispell Middle School
  • Expendable Trust Fund (Scholarships)
  • Academy of Finance
  • Human Services Academy
  • Debt Service

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Board Approval of Agreement for Special Education Services

MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the agreement for Special Education Services with Kiryas Joel UFSD for the 2019-2020 school year, and authorized the Board President to sign said agreement on behalf of the District.

Dated: August 20, 2019

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Authorize Funding / Capital Reserve Fund

MOVED by Trustee Watkins, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the Pine Bush CSD Board of Education authorize the transfer of $2,000,000 From available Fund Balance to the Capital Reserve Fund effective June 30, 2019.  

Date: September 10, 2019

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Public Participation

President Meier opened the second public participation at approx. 11:17 PM requesting no personal references.

The following comments/questions/concerns were raised:

  • Resident requested the district look further into the transportation dept.;
  • Resident expressed clarification of the walk-in resolution pertaining to waiver regarding potential conflict of interest.

 

Consideration of Executive Session

MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn public session to executive session re particular contracts and personnel matter, noting the time at approx. 11:19 PM.

YES – 6      NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjourn Executive Session and Return to Regular session

MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn executive session and return to regular session, noting the time at approx. 12:07 PM.

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Adjournment

MOVED by Trustee Graessle, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting, noting the time at approx. 12:08 PM.

YES – 6     NO – 0    MOTION CARRIED

 

Note: BOARD MEETINGS are video recorded and can be viewed at www.pinebushschools.org.        

Deborah A. June, District Clerk

 Pine Bush CSD

Pine Bush Central School District
State Route 302, Pine Bush, NY 12566
Phone: (845) 744-2031
Fax: (845) 744-6189
Amy Brockner
Interim Superintendent of Schools
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