April 18, 2024
The special meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:00 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, and approximately forty-five faculty, staff, students and community members in the audience
Also Absent: Media (THR/WVT)
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, public participation, and video recording of the meeting.
Consideration of Orange-Ulster BOCES Administrative Budget
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the proposed Orange-Ulster BOCES Administrative Budget provided to the Board members, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the Orange-Ulster BOCES 2024-2025 Administrative Budget in the amount of $ 9,361,477, as attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Consideration of Orange-Ulster BOCES Vacancies (Two)
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion.
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board cast a vote in the annual election of members of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services for each of the candidates, Eugenia Pavek and Michael Bello, as attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and noted that Agenda item B 2 under Superintendent’s Recommendations, Appointments – Annual, Administrative, is being removed from consideration. He then called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as listed, amended and/or attached:
FOR APPROVAL
- Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Employee 2024-1
Superintendent’s Recommendations:
- Acceptance of Resignation:
Noninstructional
Name Position/
Building Assignment
Effective Date
1. Ronald Lake, Jr. Custodial Worker/BES June 18, 2024
B. Approval of Appointments:
Administrative – Annual
Name Position/
Building Assignment
Schedule/Step Effective Date
1. Iris Rose Summer School Principal/Secondary $8,000 Summer 2024
2. Kimberly Ronaldson
REMOVED
Summer School Assistant Principal/Secondary $6,000 Summer 2024
Instructional – Annual
Name Position/
Building Assignment
Schedule/Step Effective Date
1. Iqra Syed Non-Certified Substitute Teacher/District $110.00 per day 2023 – 2024
School Year
\Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mentor Presentations
Following introduction of this Agenda item by Mr. Bond, the following Mentees made their presentations:
Jessica Kurtz
Megan Finn
Megan Orcutt
Carleen Flynn
Melissa McGregor
Michelle Kasak
Chrissy Giordano
Kelsey Deavor
Tom Volpe
Brian Majestic
Darcy Conley
Hannah Conklin
Renee Hydo
Peter Stka
Mariah Cooney
Kaitlyn Troy
Deanna Enea
Dan Muth
Lori Rodriguez
Abbie Wood
Kyle Sullivan
The Board members and Central Office Administrators thanked the mentees, and their mentors, Mike Score, Kristinna Crowe and Kathy Bordone, for the presentations. A round of applause was offered.
Mrs. Samuelson left the meeting at approximately 7:05 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
April 15, 2024
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:34 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 Lilly Ellison, Elizabeth Zefi and Dylan Nasser, and approximately forty-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.
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 6:05 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:33 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, public participation, 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
Following the Pledge, Mr. Bond called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Kelly Chadwick, who passed away on April 8th. Kelly was a math teacher at the Middle School for the past 22 years. She was an advisor for the math team, and previously served as an advisor for Odyssey of the Mind and as a Girls JV tennis coach. Please keep Kelly and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
STUDENT PRESENTATION
Alternative Learning Center at Maybrook
Building Administrator Mara Costagliola, Teachers Michael Stoduto and Kyle Sullivan, and five students from ALC shared a history of the program over the last ten years, sharing highlights of the classes, projects and activities that they have been engaged in during their years there.
The following students participated in this evening’s presentation: Tyler Mitchell, Josiah Hoffman, Seaira Malvasi, April Conklin, and Heidi Vesely.
The students were thanked for their presentations and a round of applause was offered.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMENDATIONS
Mr. Bond and Ms. Avila reviewed the attached correspondence and commendations.
PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and noted that Agenda item B 1 under Superintendent’s Recommendations, Leaves of Absence, Noninstructional, is being removed from consideration. He then called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as listed, amended and/or attached:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated 3/18/24
B. Special Meeting Minutes dated 4/3/24
FINANCIAL REPORT
A. Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report for March
B. Acceptance of Expenditure Budget Status Report for March
C. Acceptance of Revenue Budget Status Report for March
D. Acceptance of Record of Claims for March
E. Acceptance of Extraclassroom Report for March
F. Acceptance of Cafeteria Report for March
G. Acceptance of Investment Report for March
H. Acceptance of Budget Transfer Report for March
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
A. Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and the Valley Central Administrators Association
B. Declaration of Obsolete Equipment:
Buildings & Grounds – 2006 Ford Van E350
C. Acceptance of Donations:
1. Valley Central School District – Breakthrough Banner
Valley Central Viking Football Booster Club
2. Valley Central School District – Memorial Garden
Colin Fischer/Colin Fischer Designs, Tom Manza,
Don Berger, and the Town of Montgomery
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Acceptance of Resignations:
Noninstructional
Name/ Position/Building/ Effective Date
1. Ariadna Funes-Montaldo/ Paraprofessional/BES /April 26, 2024
2. Jennifer Rose/ 1:1 /Paraprofessional/MES /April 15, 2024
3. Alexandra Ramirez/ 1:1/ Paraprofessional/WES/ May 17, 2024
B. Approval of Leaves of Absence:
Instructional
Name/ Position/Building /Effective Date
1. Rose Verno/(Childcare Leave)/ENL Teacher/BES/ On or about October 25, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Noninstructional
Name/ Position/Building/ Effective Date
1. Colleen Maier/(Leave of Absence)/Paraprofessional/HS/ April 5, 2024 – May 3, 2024
2. Meagan Jefferson/(Leave of Absence-Childcare)/Paraprofessional/EC/ April 2, 2024 – June 26, 2024
3. Diane Sawyer/(Leave of Absence-Medical)/Paraprofessional/MES/ April 22, 2024 – May 17, 2024
C. Approval of Appointments:
Instructional
Name Position/Building Schedule/Step/Effective Date
1. Tiffany Nye/(Leave Replacement)/Science Teacher/Leave/BA/Step 1 September 1, 2024 – April 20, 2025/ Replacement/MS
Instructional – Annual Appointments
Name/ Position/Building /Schedule/Step/Effective Date
1. Latesha Alladin-Fiorenza
Home Tutors/District $48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Skyla Fabiano
Home Tutors/District $48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
3. Jeanne Marie Flanagan
Home Tutors/District $48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
4. Bryan Giudice
Home Tutors/District $48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
5. Latesha Alladin-Fiorenza
Non-Certified Substitute Teachers/District $110.00 per day 2023 – 2024 School Year
6. Avery Barry
Non-Certified Substitute Teachers/District $110.00 per day 2023 – 2024 School Year
7. Nancy DeGraw Edmentum Teacher/ALC $50.00 + 25%
prep 2023 – 2024 School Year
8. Jeanne Marie Flanagan
After School Tutors/HS $48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
9. Valerie Grippo
After School Tutors/HS $48.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
Noninstructional
Name Position/Building Schedule/Step Effective Dates
1. Nancy Brucato/(Resignation Rep.)/Food Service Helper/HS Nutritional (FSH)/
Step 1/April 16, 2024
2. Laura Miressi-Fanizzi/(I.E.P. Mandate) 1:1 Paraprofessional/WES /SRP (Para)/Step 1/April 16, 2024
Noninstructional – Annual Appointments
Name/Position/Building /Schedule/Step /Effective Dates
1. Juan Arevalo Santamaria /Substitute Custodial Worker/District/$15.00 per hour/ 2023 – 2024 School Year
2. Latesha Alladin-Fiorenza /Substitute Paraprofessional/District/$15.00 per hour 2023 – 2024 School Year
VI. REPORTS
A. Student Representatives
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Student Representatives Ms. Ellison , Ms. Zefi and Mr. Nasser provided information on activities at the High School including the Senior trip to Disney World, the Harlem Wizards Game, the viewing of the solar eclipse on April 8th, volunteer events, the Business Marketing and Future Business Leaders of America visit to Madison Square Garden, and plans for upcoming events.
B. Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Ms. Avila shared information on the Orange-Ulster BOCES Humanities Awards that were presented to Gavin Janke and Taylor Longo, the Walden Elementary School’s Community Reader Day, academic site visits, East Coldenham Elementary School’s performance of Finding Nemo, Jr., the District’s Steering Committee for the new strategic plan, and the Walden Building Committee. She also thanked all the staff and students that participated in leading the recent building tours at Walden Elementary.
C. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Bond introduced this agenda item. Mrs. Mojica provided information on the staff professional development offerings held on April 10th. She also reported on the Professional Development Committee, a recent meeting on MTSS, and the Mentoring Program.
D. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Following introduction of this agenda item, Mr. Miller reminded the Board and those in the audience that the celebration of this year’s retirees, 25 year employees and tenure recipients will be held at Berea Elementary School on June 10th.
E. School Business Official
Mr. Conklin had no report this evening.
F. OCSBA Delegates Meeting – April 3, 2024
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited Mrs. Messing, the OCSBA Delegate, to provide a summary of the meeting. Mrs. Messing reported she and Mrs. Samuelson attended the meeting, and guest speakers Neel Choudhury and Jim Drohan from the law firm of Thomas, Drohan, Waxman, Petigrow & Mayle spoke about the legal ramifications of the use of artificial
intelligence in the educational setting.
G. Community Participation
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Board members commented on recent events that they had participated in or attended, including the BOCES budget presentation and dinner, academic site visits, athletic events, the Harlem Wizards Game, Walden Elementary School’s Community Reader Day, a Strategic Plan Steering Committee meeting, the OCSBA workshop for Prospective Board Members, and the East Coldenham Elementary School Drama Club’s performance of Finding Nemo, Jr.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no requests for public comment this evening.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Adoption of 2024-2025 Budget and Approval of Property Tax Report Card
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and turned the floor over to Mr. Conklin to make his presentation. Mr. Conklin then reviewed key information on the proposed budget. The proposed tax levy increase is 2.99%, with a budget to budget increase of 2.74%, and a total budget of $129,300,000.
Mr. Conklin noted that a motion, second, and roll call vote is needed for the adoption of the 2024-2025 Budget and Property Tax Report Card.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mr. Bond seconded that the following resolution be adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Property Tax Report Card is approved, thereby authorizing the Proposed 2024-2025 Budget, in the amount of $129,300,000, to be placed before the qualified voters at the annual school budget vote and election on May 21, 2024.
Mr. Conklin, Deputy District Clerk, called the roll.
A roll call vote showed:
Mr. Bond VOTING YES
Ms. McKnight VOTING YES
Mrs. Messing VOTING YES
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia VOTING YES
Mrs. Revoir ABSENT
Mrs. Terralavoro VOTING YES
Ms. Samuelson VOTING YES
The motion was declared duly adopted [6:0].
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and
the County of Orange
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement for services the District provides to pre-school students, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board approve the agreement between the Valley Central School District and the Orange County Department of Health as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
B. Adoption of Resolution:
Approval of Day Automation Proposal for Completion of Smart Schools
Investment Plan
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement between Valley Central School District and Day Automation Systems, Inc., and called for a motion. Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board approve the agreement between Valley Central School District and Day Automation Systems, Inc., as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
C. Adoption of Resolution:
Refund of Payments Due to Correction of School Tax Errors
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the resolution presented to the Board, and called for a motion.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board adopt the
following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Valley Central School District is in receipt of an application from the Town of Montgomery Assessor for a correction of the school taxes levied against multiple parcels for the 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years, as a result of a mathematical error in the calculation of a partial tax exemption applicable to such multiple parcels (“Correction of Multiple Parcel Errors”); and
WHEREAS, such application for the Correction of Multiple Parcel Errors has been investigated and recommended for approval by the Orange County Director of Real Property Tax Services;
NOW, THERREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Valley Central School District approves the application for Correction of Multiple Parcel Errors, and authorizes the Superintendent and Treasurer to: (1) refund such amounts as have been determined to be due and owing according to the investigation and recommendation by the Orange County Director of Real Property Tax Services; and (2) take any further action consistent with Section 556[5] of the Real Property Tax Law.
Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
D. Review Procedure for Selection of Candidates’ Placement on Ballot
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Conklin noted that nominating petitions are due to the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 22nd. The selection of names for ballot order will take place on Wednesday, April 24th, in the Administration building at 9:00 a.m. Candidates or their proxies are invited to observe the drawing of names.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:40 p.m.
April 3, 2024
The special meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 5:54 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: None
Also Present: Ms. Avila and Mr. Miller
Also Absent: Ms. Mojica, Mr. Conklin and Media (THR/WVT)
PLEDGE TO FLAG
This meeting is not open to the public and will not be livestreamed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond called for a motion to enter Executive Session at 5:54 p.m. to discuss pending litigation.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizonnia seconded that the Board move into Executive Session. Voting: YES: Unanimous [7:0]
Mr. Miller joined the Board in Executive Session; Attorney Alyson Mathews joined the meeting via Zoom.
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia exited Executive Session at approximately 5:58 p.m.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:20 p.m. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Upon consensus of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.