September 2024 Minutes - Valley Central School District

Printable Minutes of Sept. 23 Board Meeting

VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

944 State Route 17K

Montgomery, New York

September 23, 2024

The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:32 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.

PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro (entered at 6:31 p.m.)

ABSENT: Ms. Avila and Mrs. Mojica

Also Present: Mr. Conklin, Mr. Tolentino, Ms. McGoldrick, Student Representatives Ms. Gutierrez and Ms. Guncay, and approximately fifteen faculty, staff,

students and community members in the audience

Also Absent: Media (WVT/THR)

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Bond called for a motion to convene in Executive Session to discuss the employment of a particular personnel and a student matter.

Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]

Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:32 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]

PLEDGE TO FLAG

Following the Pledge, Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, public comment, and video streaming/recording of the meeting. He made available a copy of the opening statement/ guidelines for public comment for those wishing to speak.

INTRODUCTION OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. Bond introduced this year’s student representatives –Harmony Gutierrez and Jennifer Guncay and invited them to share some information about themselves, which they did.

CORRESPONDENCE/COMMENDATIONS

Mr. Conklin and Mr. Bond reviewed the attached correspondence and commendations. PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion.

Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as amended, listed and/or attached:

CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES

District Safety Plan Public Hearing Minutes dated 9/9/24
Regular Meeting Minutes dated 9/9/24

– 1 –

FINANCIAL REPORTS

Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report for August
Acceptance of Expenditure Budget Status Report for August
Acceptance of Revenue Budget Status Report for August
Acceptance of Record of Claims for August
Acceptance of Extraclassroom Reports for July/August
Acceptance of Investment Report for August
Approval of General Fund Budget Transfer for August

RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE

FOR APPROVAL

Valley Central School District Strategic Plan 2024-2029
Intermunicipal Agreement between Valley Central School District and

Pine Bush Central School District

Acceptance of Donation:

Valley Central Middle School – Pets in the Classroom Grant

Petco

Overnight Trip Request:

All-State NYSSMA Conference – High School

Anticipated Overnight Trip Requests:
Valley Central High School – Music Department (Three)
Valley Central High School – Science Olympiad
Valley Central High School – Math League
Valley Central High School – Freshman Class
Valley Central High School – Sophomore Class
Valley Central High School – JROTC
Valley Central High School – Science Research (Two)
Valley Central High School – National Art Honor Society
Valley Central High School – Gradus Honoris
Valley Central Middle School – NYSBDA Competition
Valley Central Middle School – FCCLA Conferences
Valley Central Middle School – Odyssey of the Mind Conferences

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS

Acceptance of Resignations:

Instructional

Name

Position/Building Assignment

Effective Date

1. Sonya Berger

(Retirement Purposes)

Science Teacher/MS

June 30, 2025

Noninstructional

Name	Position/Building Assignment	Effective Date
1. Matthew Thompson (Resignation)	Custodial Worker/HS	September 10, 2024
2. Corrine Riccardi (Resignation)	1:1 Paraprofessional/Harmony Christian School	August 21, 2024
3. Samantha Victor (Resignation)	Special Education Paraprofessional/WES	September 30, 2024
4. Stacey McCaffrey (Resignation)	Special Education Paraprofessional/BES	September 23, 2024
5. Debbie Moakley (Resignation)	1:1 Paraprofessional/BES	September 17, 2024
6. Kerry Kras (Resignation)	Paraprofessional/EC	October 4, 2024

– 2 –

Approval of Appointments:

Instructional –Annual

Name	Position/Building Assignment	Salary Schedule/Step	Effective Date
1. Grace Chase	Grade 3 Team Leader/WES	Cat. E, Step 1	2024 – 2025 School Year
2. Nicole Speranzo	Evening High School/English Teacher	$50.00 per hour + 25% prep time	2024 – 2025 School Year
3. Alisa Podgorskaya	Evening High School/Substitute Counselor	$50.00 per hour + 25% prep time	2024 – 2025 School Year
4. Rachel DeBendictus	Kindergarten Team Leader/BES	Cat. E, Step 5	2024 – 2025 School Year
5. Tracy Addington	Grade 1 Team Leader/BES	Cat. E, Step 4	2024 – 2025 School Year
6. Dawn Rubino	Grade 2 Team Leader/BES	Cat. E, Step 4	2024 – 2025 School Year
7. Lisa Orszewski	Grade 3 Team Leader/BES	Cat. E, Step 6	2024 – 2025 School Year
8. Barbara Cook	Grade 4 Team Leader/BES	Cat. E, Step 6	2024 – 2025 School Year
9. Kiera Abbruscato	Grade 5 Team Leader/BES	Cat. E, Step 6	2024 – 2025 School Year
10. Kimberly Kedzielawa	Special Education Team Leader/BES	Cat. E, Step 3	2024 – 2025 School Year
11. Hussain Hasan	Home Tutor/District		$48.00 per hour 2024 – 2025 School Year
12. Travis Contreras 13. Jack Harris 14. Hussain Hasan 15. Adriana Torres 16. Lisa Variara	Non-Certified Substitute Teachers/District	$110.00 per day	2024 – 2025 School Year

Noninstructional

Name	Position/Building Assignment	Salary Schedule/Step	Effective Date
1. Rosina Gray (Resignation Rep.)	Supervisory Paraprofessional/EC	Para/Step 3	September 24, 2024
2. Katherine Chavarria (New Position)	1:2 Paraprofessional/EC	Para/Step 4	September 24, 2024
3. Kristina Castaldo (New Position)	1:1 Paraprofessional/WES	Para/Step 2	September 24, 2024
4. Taneasa Green (Resignation Rep.)	Food Service Helper/HS	FSH/Step 1	September 24, 2024
5. Amanda Hadden (Transfer Rep.)	1:1 Paraprofessional/BES	Para/Step 1	September 24, 2024
6. Khateline Veras (New Position)	1:2 Paraprofessional/BES	Para/Step 2	September 24, 2024
7. Veda Ruhl (New Position)	1:1 Paraprofessional/WES	Para/Step 1	September 24, 2024

Noninstructional – Annual

Name

Position/Building

Assignment

Salary

Schedule/Step

Effective Date

1. Jack Harris

2. Savannah Garey

3. Lisa Variara

4. Christine Calvaruso

Substitute Paraprofessionals/

District

$15.00 per hour

2024 -2025 School Year

5. Rebecca Thomas

6. Lisa Variara

Food Service Helper/District

$15.92 per hour

2024 -2025 School Year

– 3 –

Cocurricular Appointments

Name

Position/Building

Assignment

Salary

Schedule/Step

Effective Date

1. Dan Osekavage

2. Lucas Daubel

Aquatic Staff-Student

Lifeguards/District

$15.00 per hour

2024 -2025 School Year

3. Gerri Rosiecki

4. Russel Gulamerian

5. Robin Sinclair- Scott 6. Jeff Schaper

7. Sophie Steger

8. Lenore Felix

9. Mark lorlano

10. Michael Gonzalez

Events Personnel/District

Home Rate of Pay $60.00/Per Event

Away Rate of Pay $70/Per Event

2024 -2025 School Year

Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

REPORTS

Student Representatives

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited the students to offer their report. Ms. Guncay and Ms. Gutierrez spoke about the students return to school for 2024-2025 and commented on activities and events including sports, extracurricular clubs, open house, participation in the General Montgomery Day Parade and plans for Hispanic Heritage month.

The student representatives were thanked for their report and left the meeting at this time. B. Superintendent of Schools

Ms. Avila was not able to attend tonight’s meeting. Mr. Conklin provided

Superintendent Avila’s report in her absence. Information on the Walden Building Committee survey, open houses, assemblies at the High School and National Hispanic Heritage Month was shared.

Assistant Superintendent for Business

Following introduction of this Agenda item by Mr. Bond, Mr. Conklin provided an

update on the Capital Project construction at the High School. He also expressed his

appreciation to the Town of Montgomery Police Department for their assistance with the social media threats that were reported last week.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

Mrs. Mojica was not able to attend tonight’s meeting.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Tolentino shared information the work of

the Human Resources Department.

Enrollment – September 18, 2024

Following introduction of this Agenda item by Mr. Bond, Mr. Conklin provided a review of the current enrollment.

Presentation of End-of-Year Reports:
Food Service
Buildings & Grounds

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited Ms. Eleanore Mills, School Lunch

Manager, to make her End-of-Year Food Service presentation.

– 4 –

Ms. Mills reviewed the school lunch program for the 2023-2024 school year. She shared information on the free and reduced lunch program and reviewed the number of meals served by her department since the District qualified for Community Eligibility Participation, which allows all student to eat at no cost to them for both breakfast and lunch.

Mr. Bond then introduced Mr. Ryan Schmidt, Director of Facilities. Mr. Schmidt reviewed his End-of-Year Report, highlighting the projects completed by the department over the course of the 2023-2024 school year.

Community Participation

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Board members commented on events that they had participated in or attended recently, including athletic events, a Valley Central Education Foundation meeting, a senior parent meeting, open houses, and a Walden Building Committee meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was one request for public comment this evening:

Becky Pearson

OLD BUSINESS

External Audit Presentation – The Bonadio Group

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Conklin noted that Alan Walther from The Bonadio Group will join the meeting via Zoom to provide information on the District’s External Audit for the Board and those in the audience. The External Audit and the District’s Corrective Action Plan are on the agenda under New Business for consideration this evening.

Following the presentation, Mr. Walther invited questions from the Board; there were none. He was thanked for his presentation and he left the meeting at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

Acceptance of External Audit Report for the Fiscal Year

Ended June 30, 2024 – The Bonadio Group

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the Audit Report provided to the Board members, and called for a motion.

Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board accept the External Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2024, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

Acceptance of Corrective Action Plan – External Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 – The Bonadio Group

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the Corrective Action Plan provided to the Board members, and called for a motion.

Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board accept the Corrective Action Plan for the External Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2024, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

Adoption of District School Safety Plan 2024-2025

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the proposed District Safety Plan, and called for a motion.

Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board adopt the 2024-2025 District Safety Plan, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

– 5 –

Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Isa Marrs Speech Language Pathology, PC

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement, and called for a motion.

Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the agreement between Valley Central School District and Isa Marrs Speech Language Pathology, as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Wraparound Services of the Hudson Valley

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement, and called for a motion.

Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the agreement between Valley Central School District and Wraparound Services of the Hudson Valley, as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Trane US, Inc.

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced memorandum from Mr. Conklin and the proposed agreement, and called for a motion.

Mrs. Revoir moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the agreement between Valley Central School District and Trane US, Inc., as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Frank Stevens & Sons Roofing, Inc.

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced memorandum from Mr. Conklin and the proposed agreement, and called for a motion.

Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board approve the agreement between Valley Central School District and Frank Stevens & Sons Roofing, Inc., as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Jorrey Excavating, Inc.

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced memorandum from Mr. Conklin and the proposed agreement, and called for a motion.

Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board approve the agreement between Valley Central School District and Jorrey Excavating, Inc., as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

Approval of Consultant Proposals:
Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Program, Inc.
Gess LeBlanc, Ph.D.
ALU Coaching & Consulting, LLC

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the consultant proposals, and called for a motion.

Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board approve the agreements between Valley Central School District and Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Program, Inc., Gess LeBlanc, Ph.D. and ALU Coaching & Consulting, LLC, as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

– 6 –

Review of Middle School Program Development:
Heritage Months Program – Announcements
Heritage Months Program – English Language Arts
Heritage Months Program – Social Studies

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and noted that these program plans have been provided to the Board of Education for review and will be placed on the October 15, 2024 Board Agenda for consideration.

NYSSBA 2024 Resolutions Discussion

Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. The Board members discussed this year’s proposed resolutions and provided feedback for NYSSBA Delegate Mrs. Terralavoro, who will vote on the Board’s behalf at NYSSBA’s Annual Board meeting on Thursday, October 10th.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [7:0]

Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.

VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

944 Route 17K
Montgomery, New York
September 9, 2024
Public Hearing Minutes

A Public Hearing was held by the Board of Education and was called to order in the Administration Building at 5:30 p.m. by the President, Mr. Bond.

PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Revoir, and Mrs. Samuelson
ABSENT: Mrs. Terralavoro
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Mr. Conklin, Mrs. Mojica, Mr. Tolentino, Ms. McGoldrick, Mrs. Werner, and Mr. Ragni
Also Absent: Media (WVT/THR)

WELCOME
This Hearing is being held pursuant to Section 2801-a of the Education Law of the State of New York for the purpose of reviewing the District’s Safety Plan. A copy of the Notice of Public Hearing is attached. The District Safety Plan has been posted on the District website, as required. Information on how to ask a question or make a statement about the plan is posted on our website, as well.
Mr. Bond opened the Public Hearing and turned the floor over to Mr. Conklin, Assistant Superintendent for Business, who introduced Janet Werner, the District’s Health and Safety Coordinator and Stephen Ragni, the Director of Security and Emergency Preparedness.

REVIEW OF 2024-2025 DISTRICT SAFETY PLAN
Mrs. Werner offered a brief presentation outlining the important information and components contained in the District’s Safety Plan. She responded to questions from the Board members regarding the changes to this year’s safety plan. Mrs. Werner was thanked for her presentation.
The 2024-2025 District Safety Plan will be presented to the Board of Education for approval at its September 23, 2024 regular meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no requests for Public Comment this evening.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond noted the need for an Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular personnel and a student matter. He called for a motion.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board convene to Executive Session at 5:42 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:04 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]

ADJOURNMENT
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Public Hearing be adjourned.
Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]

Mr. Bond adjourned the Public Hearing at 6:05p.m.

Printable Public Hearing Minutes – District Safety Plan – Sept. 9, 2024

Printable Minutes of the Sept. 9, 2024 Board Meeting

VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

944 State Route 17K
Montgomery, New York
September 9, 2024
Board Minutes

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, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia, Mrs. Revoir, and Mrs. Samuelson
ABSENT: Mrs. Terralavoro
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Mr. Conklin, Mrs. Mojica, Mr. Tolentino, Ms. McGoldrick, and approximately six staff and community members
Also Absent: Media (WVT/THR)

PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, public comment, and video streaming/recording of the meeting. He made available a copy of the opening statement/ guidelines for public comment for those wishing to speak.

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 noted that the addendum agenda and item B 25 under Superintendent’s Recommendations – Instructional Annual Appointments will be removed from the Consent Agenda for consideration separately. He then called for a motion.

Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as amended, listed and/or attached:

CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES

A. Special Meeting Minutes dated 8/26/24

RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE

FOR APPROVAL [Addendum] (Removed for consideration separately)

A. Adoption of Resolution:
Authorization of Thomas, Drohan, Waxman, Petigrow & Mayle, LLP to Intervene in Proceedings Pursuant to Article 7 of the Real Property Tax Law

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Acceptance of Resignation:

Noninstructional

Name Position/Building Assignment Effective Date

1. Janine Maridou
(Retirement Purposes)

Central Registrar/Central Office January 2, 2025

B. Approval of Appointments:
Instructional – Annual

Name Position/Building Assignment/Salary Schedule/Step/Effective Date

1. Maria Kotsamanidis Grade K Team Leader/EC Cat. E, Step 2 2024 – 2025 School Year
2. Alison Brendel Grade 1 Team Leader/EC Cat. E, Step 1 2024 – 2025 School Year
3. Michelle Donovan Grade 2 Team Leader/EC Cat. E, Step 3 2024 – 2025 School Year
4. Kelsey Deavor Grade 3 Team Leader/EC Cat. E, Step 2 2024 -2025 School Year
5. Amanda Ashford Grade 4 Team Leader/EC Cat. E, Step 2 2024 -2025 School Year
6. Tiffani Garrison Grade 5 Team Leader/EC Cat. E, Step 5 2024 -2025 School Year
7. Heather Jurgens
8. Kaitlyn O’Malley
9. Mary Rodriguez
10. Andrea DeCastro

Itinerant Staff /Evaluators –
ESY/District

$60.00 per hour Summer 2024

11. Antoinette Oakes Evening High School Lead

Teacher/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

12. Holly Siegel
13. Michele Rose

Evening High School Special
Education Coordinators/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

14. Frank Jordan
15. Abigail Wood

Evening High School
Counselors/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

16. Bria Austin Evening High School Economics &

Government Teacher/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

17. Toni Kozlowski Evening High School English

Teacher/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

18. Diana LaBarbera Evening High School Health

Teacher/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

19. Michele Sinn
20. Maureen Goodenough

Evening High School
Librarians/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

21. Constance Griffin
22. Christine Belknap

Evening High School Registered
Nurses/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

23. Christine Giudice
24. Douglas Luciano

Evening High School Physical
Education Teachers/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

25. Henry Pizzonia
(Removed for consideration
separately)

Evening High School Science
Teacher/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

26. Sarah Rosenwasser Evening High School US History

Teacher/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

27. Michelle Annunziata
28. Lacey Benjamin
29. Stephanie Hernandez
30. Helen Mendenez
31. Christopher Pelella
32. Nicole Speranza
33. Dawn Verini
34. Ashley Zanos

Evening High School Substitute
Teachers/HS

$50 per hour +
25 % prep time

2024 – 2025 School Year

35. Mark Iorlano
36. Alyssa Ryan
37. Thomas Meaney

Certified Substitute
Teachers/District

$115 per day 2024 – 2025 School Year

38. Russell Gulamerian
39. Kathryn Moran
40. Debra Williams-Rugaber

Home Tutors/District $48.00 per hour 2024 – 2025 School Year

41. Jamie Brown
42. Christine Calvaruso
43. Randa Moustafa
44. Debra Williams-Rugaber
45. Iris Noll
46. Elizabeth Russo

Non-Certified Substitute
Teachers/District

$110.00 per day 2024 – 2025 School Year

Noninstructional

Noninstructional – Annual
Name Position/Building
Assignment

Salary
Schedule/Step

Effective Date

1. Jamie Brown
2. Wayne Erickson
3. Randa Moustafa
4. Elizabeth Russo

Substitute Paraprofessionals/
District

$15.00 per hour 2024 -2025 School Year

5. Kathryn Kaknis Occupational Therapist –

ESY/District

$60.00 per hour Summer 2024

Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]

Mr. Bond then called for motions for the two Consent Agenda items that were

removed for consideration separately.

Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that Agenda item B 25 under
Superintendent’s Recommendations, Instructional Annual Appointments be approved, as
presented and attached. Voting: YES: 5; ABSTAIN: Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia

Mrs. Samuelson moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board adopt the following resolution, as presented and attached.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Valley Central School District hereby authorizes Thomas Drohan Waxman Petigrow & Mayle, LLP to take any and all action necessary to intervene in the following proceedings commenced in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Orange, pursuant to Article 7 of the Real Property Tax Law:
1. Pharmacann Inc./IIP-NY 1 LLC v. the Board of Assessors of the Town of Hamptonburgh,
et al.; Index No. EF006079-2024;
2. XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (XNW) v. the Board of Assessors of the Town of Montgomery,
et al.; Index No. EF006039-2024;
3. YRC Inc. v. the Board of Assessors of the Town of Montgomery, et al.; Index No.
EF00600-2024;
4. MRE Propco LP v. the Assessor for the Town of Montgomery, et al.; Index No. EF006136-
2024; and
5. Demon Realty LLC v. the Board of Assessors of the Town of Montgomery, et al.; Index
No. EF006041-2024.
Voting: YES: 5; ABSTAIN: Ms. McKnight
REPORTS

A. Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Ms. Avila shared remarks on the start of the school year events, including Convocation, Superintendent’s Conference Day, opening day for students, and the General Montgomery Day Parade. She also shared information on the work of the Walden Building Committee.

Name Position/Building Assignment/Salary Schedule/Step/Effective Date

1. Deborah Sorice
(Resignation Rep.)

Food Service Helper/HS FSH/Step 1 September 10, 2024

2. Diamonique Gurney
(New Position)

1:1 Paraprofessional/WES Para/Step 2 September 10, 2024

3. Amber Curti
(New Position)

1:1 Paraprofessional/MES Para/Step 1 September 10, 2024

B. Assistant Superintendent for Business
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Conklin updated the Board and those in the audience on the status of the Capital Project work. He also provided information on the state mandate for electric buses and an upcoming study that will be conducted at no cost to the District.

C. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Following introduction of this Agenda item by Mr. Bond, Mrs. Mojica spoke about the opening of schools and provided information on the professional development opportunities during the Superintendent’s Conference Day held on September 4th.
D. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Mr. Bond introduced this agenda item. Mr. Tolentino offered remarks on the opening day visits he made to Walden Elementary School and the Alternative Learning Center. He also provided information on the hiring of new staff and the feedback of a survey distributed to the new teachers that attended this year’s Induction.
E. Enrollment Report – September 5, 2024
Mr. Bond introduced this agenda item. Ms. Avila reviewed the opening enrollment figures from September 5th (copy attached) and noted that there is an increase of 67 students since June. Enrollment and class sizes will continue to be closely monitored and the Board will continue to receive enrollment updates throughout the school year.
F. OCSBA Delegates’ Meeting – September 4, 2024
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mrs. Messing noted that NYSSBA
President Sandra Ruffo was in attendance and spoke about the upcoming Convention in October.
Other topics discussed at the meeting included the Orange-Ulster BOCES Capital Project, which is now underway, and plans for upcoming tours of the facilities for Board members from their component districts.G. Community Participation
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited the Board members to share what events they had recently attended or participated in within the District and community. Board members commented on the ALC Welcome Back Barbecue, athletic events, a Valley Central Education Foundation meeting, Convocation, and the General Montgomery Day Parade.

PUBLIC COMMENT
There was one request for time to speak this evening:
Stephanie Giufre – World Language Program

OLD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Middle School Curricula:
1. Algebra I (8th Grade Accelerated)
2. Heritage Months Program – Art
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and referenced the curricula listed above, which was presented at the August 26th Board meeting for review. He called for a motion. Mrs. Samuelson moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board adopt the above listed curricula, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]

NEW BUSINESS
A. Nomination of New York State School Boards Association
Board of Directors Area 9 Candidate:
John Burns
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Fox-Pizzonia seconded that the Board nominate John Burns as a candidate for election to the NYSSBA Board of Directors Area 9. Voting YES:
Unanimous [6:0]

ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES:
Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.