February 12, 2024
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at Berea Elementary School at 6:30 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Fox- Pizzonia, Mrs.
Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: Mrs. Revoir
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Mrs. Mojica, Mr. Miller, Mr. Conklin, Ms. McGoldrick,
Student Representatives Ms. Ellison, Ms. Zefi and Mr. Nasser, and approximately sixty-five faculty, staff, students and community members
in the audience
Also Absent: Media (THR/WVT)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond called for a motion to convene in Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular personnel, pending litigation, and a student matter.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 5:00 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Samuelson entered Executive Session at 5:05 p.m.
Mr. Miller and Attorney Alyson Matthews joined the Board in Executive Session at 5:30 p.m.
VCTA members Ms. Vasquez, Mr. Leo and Ms. Bordone joined the Board in Executive Session at 5:31 p.m. They left the meeting at 5:44 p.m.
Mr. Miller and Attorney Alyson Matthews left the meeting at 5:58 p.m.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:12 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, public comment, and video recording of the meeting. He made available a copy of the opening statement/ guidelines for public comment for those wishing to speak this evening.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mr. Bond asked that everyone remain standing following the Pledge for a moment of silence for Zackary Ryan, who passed away on January 17th. Zackary was a Valley Central Class of 2023 graduate and one of our substitute custodial workers.
STUDENT PRESENTATION
East Coldenham Elementary School
Principal Daniel McDonald introduced fifth grade teachers Kristin Vasapolli, Tiffani Garrison, Amanda Borle and Vincent Pettine, who led a group of students through a presentation of their “Living Museum” project. As part of their project, each student chose an important person to research and “became” that person by dressing, speaking and acting like the person they chose. The students created a “Farcebook Page” posting with the Board members and Central Office Administrators.
The following students took part in the presentation: Jacob Forgit, Liam Pichardo, Leonardo Gomez, Davanee Williams, Addison Antonelli, Levi Boulanger, Emily Thorn, Ana Vuksanovich, Michael Aube, Rayen Aldebot and Isaac Fonseca.
The principal, teachers and students were thanked for their presentation and a round of applause was offered.
OTHER
Mr. Bond noted the following changes to tonight’s agenda:
Agenda Item 1 under New Business, Adoption of 2024-2025 Student Calendar, has been removed from consideration this evening and will be placed on the March 4th Board agenda.
Mr. Bond noted that Superintendent Avila will share some remarks at this point in the agenda and the Public Comment portion of the meeting will take place afterwards.
Ms. Avila, Dr. Burns and Mr. Ragni spoke about the physical altercations at the High School last Friday and the investigations being conducted.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following individuals signed the request for time to speak this evening:
Julie Partington
Rhonda Lake
Keagan Lake
Mr. Bond asked if anyone else would like to speak. Several members of the community stepped forward to offer comments, including Maggie Bishop, Joycelyn Bray, Arianna Sosa, Michele Bray, Mary Holmes, Kelly Gayton, Deidre Sanchez, Jen Watson, Maria Tapia, Ava Golden, Savannah Anderson and Mike Hargaden.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMENDATIONS
Mr. Bond and Ms. Avila reviewed the attached correspondence and commendations.
PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as listed and/or attached:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
A. Special Board Meeting Minutes dated 1/22/24
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
A. Approval of Overnight Trip Requests:
1. NYSBDA Honors Band Symposium – High School
2. NYSBDA Honors Band Symposium – Middle School
3. Annual Upstate NY Junior Science and Humanities Symposium – High School
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Approval of Termination:
Name/ Position/Building/ Effective Date
1. Taisha Sharpe /Paraprofessional/MS/ February 2, 2024
B. Acceptance of Resignations:
Instructional
Name /Position/Building /Effective Date
1. Col. Christopher Schrieks (Retirement)/JROTC Instructor/HS/ July 31, 2024
Noninstructional
Name /Position/Building/ Effective Date
1. Malvina Ahmetaj /Food Service Helper/HS February 12, 2024
2. Benjamin Jamieson (Stipend Position Only)/CSEA Night Custodial
Supervisor/MS/February 12, 2024
3. Danielle Lavella /Paraprofessional/MS/ February 6, 2024
4. Thomas Raco /Custodial Worker/BES /February 1, 2024
5. Jessica Novins/ Paraprofessional/EC /January 23, 2024
6. Emma Bilyou /1:2 Paraprofessional/HCS /January 23, 2024
C. Approval of Appointments:
Instructional
Name/ Position/Building /Schedule/Step/Probationary
Period/Effective Date
1. Tyler Moran/ (Leave Rep.) /Math Teacher/HS /BA,Step 1/N/A /January 25, 2024 –June 30, 2024
2. Diana Vukel (New Position)/Speech Therapist/WES and BES/MA30,Step 10 +15 credits/February 13, 2024 -February 13, 2027/(previously tenured)/ February 13, 2024
Instructional – Annual Appointments
Name /Position/Building /Schedule/Step /Effective Dates
1. Melissa Verlin/Year One Mentor/HS/Category D,
Step 1/February 13, 2024 -June 30, 2024
2. Nicholas Grundig
3. Alexander Mueller
Non-Certified Substitute Teachers/District/$110.00 per day/2023-2024 School Year
4. Janice Shadrin/ Home Tutor/District/$48.00 per hour/2023-2024 School Year
5. Michael Stoduto/Team Leader/ALC /Category E,Step 1/February 13, 2024 –
June 30, 2024
6. Maura Crown
7. Megan Finn
8. Stacy Grammas
9. Lisa Orszewski
10. Amy Wendel
Before/After School Literacy Program/BES/$50.00 per hour + 25% prep 2023-2024 School Year
11. Allison Borriello
12. Tara Brown
13. Carleen Flynn
14. Kelsey Deavor
15. Maria Kotsamanidis
16. Erin Lappe
17. Launa Paul
18. Vincent Pettine
Before/After School Literacy Program/EC/$50.00 per hour + 25% prep/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
19. Samantha Michaelson
20. Heather Jurgens
21. Lori Brown
22. Kathleen Alexander
23. Jackie Scarano
24. Alexa Karinchek
Before/After School Literacy Program/MES/$50.00 per
hour + 25% prep/2023 – 2024 School Year
25. Nancy Phelps
26. Kerry Devine
27. Kathleen Bordone
28. JoAnn Sweikata
29. Courtney Hank
Before/After School Literacy Program/WES/$50.00 per
hour + 25% prep/2023 – 2024 School Year
30. Alissiah Barnett
31. Kathleen Varley
32. Andrea deCastro
33. Mary Rodriguez
34. Doreen McGrath
Before/After School Literacy Program Substitute/WES/$50.00 per
hour + 25% prep/2023 – 2024 School Year
35. Valerie Grippo
36. Renee Hydo
37. Kimberly Johnson
38. DeNecia Klass
39. Michael Pescetti
40. Brittany Pierce-Caiazza
41. Jill Totten
42. Lora Turner
43. Kristina Van Vlack
44. Laurene Williams
Before/After School Literacy Program/MS/$50.00 per hour + 25%
prep/2023 – 2024 School Year
45. Stephanie Mahoney /Before/After School Literacy Program Substitute/MS/ $50.00 per hour + 25% prep/2023 – 2024 School Year
Noninstructional
Name /Position/Building Schedule/Step /Effective Dates
1. Malvina Ahmetaj (Resignation Rep.)/Paraprofessional/HS /SRP (Para), Step 3/ February 13, 2024
2. Peter Link (Resignation Rep.)/CSEA Night/Custodial Supervisor/MS/$775.00 Stipend per year (to be pro-rated)/February 13, 2024
3. Michelle Napolitano (Resignation Rep.)/Paraprofessional/MS/ SRP (Para), Step 2 /February 13, 2024
Noninstructional – Annual Appointments
Name/ Position/Building Schedule/Step /Effective Dates
1. Deanna Wild /Substitute Paraprofessional & Substitute Food Service Helper/District/$15.00 per hour & $15.30 per hour/2023 – 2024 School Year
Extracurricular – Annual Appointment
Name/Position/Building /Schedule/Step/ Effective Date
1. Christopher Spencer /Extracurricular Account Activity Advisor/HS/$6,000.00 Stipend per year (to be pro-rated)/February 13, 2024 –
June 30, 2024
VI. REPORTS
A. Student Representatives
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited the Student Representatives to present their reports. Ms. Ellison, Ms. Zefi and Mr. Nasser shared information on activities at the High School, including the Science Research Symposium, the All County Music Festival, the Future Business Leaders of America Competition, the Science Olympiad Competition, and various club activities and sporting events. The Student Representatives were thanked for their report.
B. Superintendent of Schools
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Ms. Avila shared information on the Walden Building Committee and upcoming tours; the Girls Varsity Basketball game; Drama Club productions at Berea Elementary, Montgomery Elementary and the Middle School; the Health & Safety Committee Meeting; Walden Elementary’s Winter Concert; a meeting of the Mid-Hudson Catskill Council of School Superintendents; a recent interview conducted by a High School student for her capstone project; and a remembrance ceremony at the African American burial grounds in the Town of Montgomery.
C. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mrs. Mojica reported on planning for the literacy Pilot and the recent VC21 meeting held at Walden Elementary School on January 31st.
D. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
E. School Business Official
Mr. Miller and Mr. Conklin did not report this evening.
F. Director of Technology
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Mohr provided information on the student issued Chromebook program, cybersecurity, and instructional technology support.
G. Director of Health, Physical Education & Athletics
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Steger shared information on physical education and health classes, athletic teams and competitions, before and after school clubs, and intramurals at the elementary, middle school and high school levels.
H. Director of Special Education
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Ms. Butler provided an overview of the District’s Special Education Program and plans for the 2024-2025 school year.
I. Technology Planning Committee – January 10, 2024
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mrs. Samuelson, the Board liaison, provided a summary of the topics discussed at the Committee meeting.
J. OCSBA Meetings – January 10, 2024 & February 7, 2024
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mrs. Messing updated the Board on the meetings, which included discussions on advocacy efforts, legislative priorities, and current issues impacting school districts. Mrs. Messing also provided highlights of the NYSSBA Capital Conference held on February 2nd and the Lobby Day on February 7th..
K. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee – January 11, 2024
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia provided a summary of the meeting and updated the Board and those in the audience on the work of the Committee.
L. Health & Safety Committee – January 24, 2024
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Ms. McKnight, the Board liaison, spoke about the topics discussed at the meeting, including security measures.
M. NYSSBA Capital Conference – February 2, 2024
Mrs. Messing provided a report earlier this evening.
N. Community Participation
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Board members commented on recent events that they had participated in or attended, including the VC21 meeting and tour of the Walden Elementary School, fundraising events, a Guidance Advisory Committee meeting, athletic events, Berea Elementary School’s drama club presentation of Drama Camp the Musical, and the ceremony at the African American burial grounds in the Town of Montgomery.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comment took place earlier this evening.
OTHER
It was the consensus of the Board to take a five minute recess at approximately 8:35 p.m.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. 2024-2025 Budget Presentation:
Superintendent’s and Board’s Budget Initiatives
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Ms. Avila and Mr. Conklin provided a summary of the current initiatives in place and an overview of priorities for the 2024-2025 school year, all of which are aligned with the District’s goals.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Adoption of 2024-2025 Student Calendar
This Agenda item was removed from consideration this evening. It will be placed on the March 4th Board agenda.
B. Nomination of Orange Ulster BOCES Board of Education Candidates:
1. Eugenia Pavek
2. Michael Bello
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and referenced the letters of interest from the candidates listed above. Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board nominate Eugenia Pavek and Michael Bello as candidates for election to the Orange-Ulster Board of Cooperative
Educational Services. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond noted a need for the Board to convene in Executive Session to discuss student discipline matters. He shared that no action will be taken after Executive Session and the meeting will be adjourned.
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 9:19 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
X. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m.