August 26, 2024
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:30 p.m. by President Joseph Bond
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Mrs. Messing, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Revoir, and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: Mrs. Samuelson
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Mr. Conklin, Mrs. Mojica, Mr. Tolentino, Ms. McGoldrick and approximately three staff and community members
Also Absent: Media (WVT/THR)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond called for a motion to enter into Executive Session to consult with the District’s general counsel.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 6:01 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia entered Executive Session at 6:03 p.m.
Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, and videotaping/streaming of the meeting.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mr. Bond asked that everyone remain standing following the Pledge for a moment of silence for Josiah Dottin, who was a Valley Central Class of 2020 graduate, and Sharon Delmonico, who has been our athletic trainer at Valley Central since 2015.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMENDATIONS
Mr. Bond and Ms. Avila reviewed the attached listing of correspondence, commendations and honorable mentions.
PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the following Consent Agenda be accepted/approved, listed and/or attached.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
- Regular Meeting Minutes dated 8/12/24
FINANCIAL REPORTS
- Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report for July
- Acceptance of Investment Report for July
- Acceptance of Revenue Budget Status Report for July
- Acceptance of Expenditure Budget Status Report for July
- Acceptance of Record of Claims for July
- Acceptance of Extraclassroom Report for July
- Approval of General Fund July Budget Transfer
- Approval of Internal Claims Auditor Reports for July
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
- Approval of Anticipated Overnight Trip Requests:
Valley Central High School – Athletic Department
- Waiver of Potential Conflict of Interest:
Thomas, Drohan, Petigrow & Mayle, LLP
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
- Acceptance of Resignations:
Noninstructional
| Name | Position/Building Assignment | Effective Date |
| 1. Jamie Almeida (Resignation) | Account Clerk/Central Office | August 23, 2024 |
| 2. Marko Gvozdenovic (Resignation) | 1:1 Paraprofessional/WES | August 16, 2024 |
| 3. Craig Capwell (Retirement Purposes) | Maintenance Worker/B&G | August 26, 2024 |
| 4. Emily Steger (Resignation) | Paraprofessional/BES | August 14, 2024 |
| 5. Kayla McWilliams (Resignation) | Food Service Helper/EC | August 19, 2024 |
| 6. Eric Guarneri(Transfer Rep.) | Custodial Worker/HS | August 20, 2024 |
| 7. Deanna Wild (Resignation) | Food Service Helper/MS | August 21, 2024 |
- Approval of Appointments:
Instructional
| Name | Position/BuildingAssignment | SalarySchedule/Step | Probationary Term | Effective Date |
| 1. Jessica Myers (Transfer Rep.) | Elementary Teacher/WES | MA/Step 10 | September 1, 2024 -September 1, 2027* | September 1, 2024 |
| 2. Jamie Rywalt (Resignation Rep.) | Food & Consumer Science Teacher/HS/ALC | BA30/Step 2 | September 1, 2024 – September 1, 2028* | September 1, 2024 |
*To the extent applicable under Education Law Section 3012-d and the accompanying Commissioner’s Regulation, in order to be considered for tenure, teachers and principals appointed to a four-year probationary period must have received an APPR rating of effective or highly effective in three of the four probationary years and must not receive an ineffective in the fourth year.
Instructional – Annual
| Name | Position/BuildingAssignment | SalarySchedule/Step | Effective Date |
| 1. Carla Biggs-Bridgman2. Brittany Pierce-Caiazza | McKinney Vento Tutoring & Connection Advisors/District | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 3. Jessica Pforte | McKinney Vento Tutoring & Connection Mental Health Provider/District | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 4. Sonya Berger5. Kathryn Vecchio6. Rhonda Paul7. Stephanie Hernandez8. Christine Mello9. Kimberly Lopez10. Martha Santos11. Letesha Alladin-Fiorenza12. Barbara Gravel | McKinney Vento Tutoring & Connection Substitute Advisors/District | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 13. Christine Mello14. Lacey Benjamin15. Barbara Gravel16. Catherine Heil17. Kalliope Edge | McKinney Vento Tutoring & Connection Substitute Mental Health Providers/District | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 18. Britney Demshick19. Jeanne Marie Flanagan20. Allison Frigand21. Gennine Hauser22. Caroline Sweikata23. Kerry Armour | Certified Substitute Teachers/District | $115 per day | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 24. Kathleen Murray Cannon25. Susan Cockburn26. Jeanne Marie Flanagan27. Leigh-Ann Quaglietta | Home Tutors/District | $48.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 28. Catherine Canfield29. Kathleen Murray Cannon30. Lucca Dobson31. Megan Guidry32. Kalie Rumsey | Non-Certified Substitute Teachers/District | $110.00 per day | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 33. Antoinette Oakes | Seal of Biliteracy Co-Coordinator/HS | Cat. C, Step 2 (split) | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 34. Stephanie Hernandez | Seal of Biliteracy Co-Coordinator/HS | Cat. C, Step 2 (split) | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 35. Meghan Rilley | Seal of Civic Readiness Coordinator/HS | Cat. C, Step 3 | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 36. Christine Giudice37. Douglas Luciano | Social/Emotional Teachers/Intramural Program/MES | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 38. Maria Circosta39. Diana LaBarbera40. Rhonda Paul41. Andrew Zunich42. Sonya Berger43. Wendy Portillo | After-School Lead Tutors/HS | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 44. Kathryn Vecchio45. Antoinette Oakes46. Lisa Sullivan47. Maureen Goodenough | After-School Substitute Tutors/HS | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 48. Ashley Zanos | Edmentum Teacher/English/HS | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 49. Rhonda Paul | Edmentum Teacher/Math/HS | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 50.Christopher Pelella | Edmentum Teacher/Social Studies/HS | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 51. Nicole Speranzo | Edmentum Teacher/Special Education/HS | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 52. Michael D. Gonzalez53. Stephanie Hernandez54. Diana LaBarbera55. Helen Menendez56. Antoinette Oakes57. Dawn Verni | Edmentum Substitute Teachers/HS | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 58. Janet Ganzer | Crazy 8s Advisor/WES | Cat. F, Step 3Correction from 8/12/24 Agenda | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 59. Kathleen Bordone | Crazy 8s Advisor/WES | Cat. F, Step 1Correction from 8/12/24 Agenda | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 60. Haliann Fitzgerald61. Stephen Gamma | Certified Athletic Trainer Substitutes | $60.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
Noninstructional
| Name | Position/BuildingAssignment | SalarySchedule/Step | Effective Date |
| 1. Stacey McCaffrey (Resignation Rep.) | Paraprofessional/BES | Para/Step 8 | September 1, 2024 |
| 2. Jalen Cuevas(Resignation Rep.) | 1:1 Paraprofessional/BES | Para/Step 1 | September 1, 2024 |
| 3. Amanda Russo(Transfer Rep.) | Paraprofessional/BES | Para/Step 1 | September 1, 2024 |
| 4. Adrianna Reda(New Position) | 1:1 Paraprofessional/MES | Para/Step 1 | September 1, 2024 |
| 5. Brianna Parker(New Position) | 1:1 Paraprofessional/MES | Para/Step 3 | September 1, 2024 |
| 6. Jeanette LaRosa(New Position) | 1:1 Paraprofessional/MES | Para/Step 1 | September 1, 2024 |
| 7. Ann Marie Piscopo(Resignation Rep.) | Paraprofessional/MES | Para/Step 2 | September 1, 2024 |
| 8. Amanda Miller(Resignation Rep.) | 1:1 Paraprofessional/WES | Para/Step 1 | September 1, 2024 |
| 9. Michele Lake (New Position) | 1:1 Paraprofessional/MS | Para/Step 1 | September 1, 2024 |
| 10. Tiffany Braham (Resignation Rep.) | Paraprofessional /MS | Para/Step 5 | September 1, 2024 |
| 11. Andre Mainor(Resignation Rep.) | Hall Monitor/Paraprofessional/MS | Para/Step 1 | September 1, 2024 |
| 12. Erin Muro(Transfer Rep.) | Paraprofessional/HS | Para/Step 8 | September 1, 2024 |
| 13. Peter Hamblin(Resignation Rep.) | Custodial Worker/HS | CSEA/Step 1 | August 27, 2024 |
| 14. Matthew Thompson(Retirement Rep.) | Custodial Worker/MS | CSEA/Step 1 | August 27, 2024 |
| 15. Shawn Palmer(Resignation Rep.) | Maintenance Worker/B&G | CSEA/Step 8 | August 27, 2024 |
| 16. Eric Guarneri(Retirement Rep.) | Maintenance Worker/B&G | CSEA/Step 8 | August 27, 2024 |
| 17. Myra Stoner(Resignation Rep.) | Payroll Clerk/Central Office | $80,000 | September 9, 2024 |
| 18. Danielle Lemos(Resignation Rep.) | Food Service Helper/HS | FSH/Step 4 | September 1, 2024 |
| 19. Alexa Cruz (Resignation Rep.) | Food Service Helper/MS | FSH/Step 1 | September 1, 2024 |
Noninstructional – Annual
| Name | Position/BuildingAssignment | SalarySchedule/Step | Effective Date |
| 1. Lucca Dobson2. Anita Feller3. Allison Frigand4. Megan Guidry5. Kalie Rumsey6. AnnMarie Solimando | Substitute Paraprofessionals/District | $15.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 7. Jacqueline Leone | Substitute RN/District | $150.00 per day | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 8. Daniel Cuccia9. Lucca Dobson | Substitute Custodial Workers/District | $15.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 10. Lucca Dobson11. Jennifer McCarthy12. Lori Schmidlin | Substitute Food Service Helpers/District | $15.92 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 13. Erin Muro | Summer Paraprofessional/HS | 2024–2025hourly rate | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 14. Jalen Cuevas | Summer Paraprofessional/BES | 2024–2025hourly rate | Summer 2024 |
| 15. Diana Cahoon | Summer RN/Kindergarten Orientation/MES | $48.00 per hour | Summer 2024 |
| 16. Connie Griffin | Summer RN/Freshman Orientation/HS | $48.00 per hour | Summer 2024 |
| 17. Connie Griffin18. Christine Belknap | Evening High School/RNs | $50.00 per hour | 2024-2025 School Year |
Extracurricular
| Name | Position/Building Assignment | Category/Step | Effective Date |
| 1. Maureen Hedden | Yearbook Club Coordinator/ALC | Cat. E, Step 5 | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 2. Leigh-Ann Quaglietta | Event Photographer/District | Cat. D, Step 2 | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 3. Andrea Cadena | Cultural Diversity Club Advisor/MS | Cat. F, Step 1 | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 4. Maria Circosta | Everything Outdoor Adventure Club Advisor/MS | Cat. F, Step 1 | 2024-2025 School Year |
Cocurricular
| Name | Position | Stipend | Effective Date |
| 1. Drew Abatangelo2. Matthew Abatangelo3. Angela Adjei4. Theron Adkins5. Michelle Annunziata6. Michael Artusa7. Brooke Axelson8. Paul Berkowitz9. Michael Bliss10. Allison Borriello11. Ann Marie Brodzinski12. William Burretto13. Ryan Cerullo14. Maria Circosta15. Ana Cruz16. Courtney Cunningham17. Mason Davis18. Chanel Deans19. Amy Doce20. Katie Farrugia21. Haliann Fitzgerald22. Jeanne Marie Flanagan23. James Frisbie24. Christina Fuller25. Nicole Fuoco26. Maureen Gallagher27. Joan Garry28. Laurie Gesso29. Catharine Giordano30. Bryan Giudice31. Christine Giudice32. James Gould33. Heidi Gridley34. Connie Griffin35. Kayleigh Guercio36. Hussain Hasan37. Ibrahim Hassou38. Laura Horton39. Fredrick Howard40. Ronald Introini41. Greg Jackson42. Robert Jurgens43. Colette Jurman44. Michael Kelly45. Patrick Kemp46. Jennifer Kinsley47. Joseph Kinsley48. Kristen Kresge49. Diana LaBarbera50. Andrew Lavallie51. Matthew Lennon52. Robert Leonard53. Sibyl Librandi54. Chrystal Lozano55. Douglas Luciano56. Andre Mainor57. Paige Matuszewski58. Amy McCann59. Laura McFarlane60. George McLoughlin61. Helen Menendez62. William Michella63. Laura Moldoveanu64. Frank Nutt65. Pete Pekny66. Nancy Phelps67. Thomas Plitsch68. Leigh-Ann Quaglietta69. Shane Regan70. Jordan Robles71. Matthew Rubino72. Jillian Rufino73. Scott Rumsey74. Jason Saffon75. Robert Satriano76. Brittney Savage77. Diane Sawyer78. Dawn Smith79. Stephen Smith80. Adam Sontag81. Paul Sontag82. Douglas Stahl83. Thomas Stoddard84. Patricia Stolz85. Brendan Sutta86. Stacy Talarico87. Kaitlyn Troy88. Madison Van Pelt89. Michael Van Pelt90. Terri Van Pelt91. Lori Vantassel92. Edward Vass93. Victoria Voloshin94. Jeannine Wagner95. Jonathan Walsh96. Gabrielle Wienckowski97. Patricia Williams98. Isaiah Wilson99. Franklin Wright | Events Personnel | Home Rate of Pay $60.00/EventAway Rate of Pay $70.00/Event | 2024-2025 School Year |
| 100. Jillian Rufino | Assistant Cheerleading Coach | Cat. III/Step 1 | 2024-2025Fall Coaching |
Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
REPORTS
- Superintendent of Schools
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Ms. Avila commented on the Summer High School Graduation Ceremony this morning and offered congratulations to those students who attended summer school, completed their coursework and graduated. She shared information on the August Graduation Ceremony held today, plans for Convocation Day on September 3rd and the Conference Day on September 4th, and the District’s rollout of the new Strategic Plan.
- Assistant Superintendent for Business
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Conklin and Mr. Ritzenthaler from CSArch provided an overview of the status of the Capital Project.
Mr. Conklin also shared information on student transportation and the external audit currently underway.
- Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited Mrs. Mojica to present her report. Mrs. Mojica shared information on the District’s plans for academic programs and professional development in the 2024-2025 school year.
- Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Tolentino provided an update on the hiring of faculty and staff for the upcoming school year. He noted that the Viking Induction Program for new faculty was held on August 20th at the High School.
- Projected Enrollment – September 2024
Following introduction of this Agenda item Ms. Avila commented on the projected 2024-2025 enrollment figures (copy attached). Enrollment and class sizes will continue to be closely monitored.
- MHSSC Annual Law Conference – August 2, 2024
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mrs. Revoir shared information on the topics reviewed at the conference.
- Community Participation
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Board members commented on events that they have attended or participated in recently, including Induction, the MHSSC Law Conference, the August Graduation Ceremony, and an open house at held at Maybrook for former students.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no requests for Public Comment this evening.
NEW BUSINESS
- Adoption of 2024-2025 District Goals
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the District Goals provided to the Board, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board adopt the 2024-2025 District Goals, as presented and attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
- Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Siemens Industry, Inc.
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement provided to the Board, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board approve the agreement for HVAC services between Valley Central School District and Siemens Industry, Inc., as presented and attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
- Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and The Center for Discovery
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement provided to the Board, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve the agreement for psychological evaluation services between Valley Central School District and The Center for Discovery, as presented and attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
- Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Dillinger Research & Applied Data
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement provided to the Board, and called for a motion.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve the agreement for consultation services between Valley Central School District and Dillinger Research & Applied Data, as presented and attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
- Review of Middle School Curricula:
- Algebra I (8th Grade Accelerated)
- Heritage Months Program – Art
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and noted that this curricula has been made available in the Office of Curriculum & Instruction for review. It will be placed on the September 9, 2024 Board Agenda for consideration.
- Establishment of Public Hearing for District Safety Plan – September 9, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the resolution, and called for a
motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board establish a Public Hearing for the District Safety Plan on September 9, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond noted the need to convene in Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person. He noted that no action will be taken following Executive Session and the meeting will be adjourned.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 6:50 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 7:20 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the meeting be adjourned.
Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond noted the need to re-enter Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person. No action will be taken following Executive Session and the meeting will be adjourned.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 7:28 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 7:30 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Upon unanimous consent of the Board, Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
Printable version of the minutes