December 12, 2022
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:41 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson
and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: None
Also Present: Mr. Bellarosa, Ms. Serratore, Mr. Miller, Mr. Conklin, Student
Representatives Ms. Ellison and Ms. Vega, Ms. McGoldrick, and
approximately thirty 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 pending litigation.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 5:55 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:40 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.
STUDENT PRESENTATION
Walden Elementary School
Teachers Karen Uszenski, Joann Sweikata, and Jessica Kurtz led a group of students through a presentation on the book “Balloons over Broadway, The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade”, by Melissa Sweet. This book served as a kickoff for a multidisciplinary unit incorporating ELA, science, math, engineering, and technology.
The following students participated in the presentation:
Miley Morales
Hannah Burns
Liam Raux
Ella Kelly
Carmelo Rispoli
Giovanni Cruz
The students were thanked for their presentation and a round of applause was offered.
CORRESPONDENCE/COMMENDATIONS
Mr. Bellarosa and Mr. Bond reviewed the attached correspondence and commendations.
PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, and Mrs. Revoir seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as listed and/or attached:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated 11/14/22
B. Special Board Meeting Minutes dated 12/1/22
FINANCIAL REPORTS
A. Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report for October
B. Acceptance of Expenditure Budget Status Report for October
C. Acceptance of Revenue Budget Status Report for October
D. Acceptance of Record of Claims for October
E. Acceptance of Extra classroom Report for October
F. Acceptance of Cafeteria Profit and Loss Report for October
G. Acceptance of Investment Report for October
H. Approval of General Fund Budget Transfer for October
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Approval of Appointment Rescissions:
Non instructional
Grace Gratz, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective
November 15, 2022
Mark Ojeda, Custodial Worker, Valley Central School District, effective
November 15, 2022
A. Acceptance of Resignations:
Non instructional
Christopher DiBenedetto, Groundskeeper, Valley Central School District,
effective December 12, 2022
Carmen Rodriguez, Custodial Worker, Valley Central School District, effective
November 30, 2022
Dolly Pimentel, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, for
retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
Judith Violante, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Berea Elementary School, for
retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
Alejandra Rivera, Food Service Helper, p/t, Valley Central School District,
effective December 22, 2022
Michael Saltz, Registered School Nurse, Valley Central School District, effective
January 9, 2023
Elizabeth Toohey, Food Service Helper, p/t, Valley Central School District,
effective December 15, 2022
Kirsten Sisco, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective
November 27, 2022
B. Approval of Appointments:
Administrative
Michael Bellarosa, Assistant to the Superintendent, p/t, Valley Central School
District, effective January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023
Instructional
Maribeth Garrity, certified in Students with Disabilities Gr. 1-6, appointed to a
leave replacement position (Regular Substitute) in Special Education, effective January 12, 2023 through June 30, 2023
Cassidy Rios, certified in Early Childhood Education (B-Gr. 2) and Childhood
Education (Gr. 1-6), appointed to a leave replacement position (Regular Substitute) as a Kindergarten Teacher, effective December 13, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Substitute Teachers/Home Tutor, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective
2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Noninstructional
Lori Schmidt, Paraprofessional, f/t, Human Resources Department, Valley Central School District, effective December 13, 2022
Yassenia Taveras, Custodial Worker, Valley Central School District, effective
December 13, 2022
Meghan Ballard, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Valley Central Middle School,
effective December 13, 2022
Christopher DiBenedetto, Head Custodian, Valley Central School District,
effective December 13, 2022
Eulamae Leath, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective
December 13, 2022
Substitute Paraprofessional/Custodial Worker, p/t, Valley Central School District,
effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Cocurricular
Aquatic Appointments, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023
School Year – See Separate Listing
Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
REPORTS
A. Student Representatives
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited the Student Representatives to present their report. Ms. Ellison and Ms. Vega provided information on activities at the High School including athletic contests, fundraising events, the PTSA Student Achievement Recognition
Night, club, and honor society events, and the Holiday Craft Fair.
B. Interim Superintendent
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Bellarosa spoke about emergency notifications and communications from the District to the parents and communities and noted that parents can request to be contacted via email, text or telephone messages. He also encouraged those in the audience to call the District with any questions they may have and not to rely on social media for accurate information.
Mr. Bellarosa shared that Ms. Avila will begin as Superintendent of Schools on January 3rd, following the winter recess, and his service as Interim Superintendent will be ending. He thanked all those in the Valley Central community, including the Board of Education, faculty and
staff, students, families, local leaders and agencies for their support and collaboration for the last six months. He noted that he will be working in the District in the coming months to assist with the transition.
C. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Following introduction of this Agenda item Ms. Serratore spoke about the half day for professional development held on December 7th, which focused on two of the District’s main priorities, safety and instructional practice. She also commented on the therapy dog at Berea Elementary School, which has been very well received by students and staff.
D. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Miller reported that the District is waiting to receive an update on the New York State Health Care Workers Bonus Program. All eligible employees have been submitted. He also provided information on some Career Fairs that are scheduled in the coming months, which may be beneficial in recruiting teachers for some hard to fill certification areas.
E. School Business Official
Mr. Conklin had no report this evening.
F. OCSBA Delegates’ Meetings –December 7, 2022
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mrs. Messing reported that the guest speakers were from School Aid Specialists, who offered a presentation on school aid and maximizing all possible revenue sources available to districts. She also noted that the January OCSBA meeting has been rescheduled to January 11th and that meeting will focus on legislative
priorities.
G. Community Participation
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Board members commented on events that they had participated in or attended recently, including athletics events, the Middle School Chorus and Band Concerts, fundraising events, a PTA Council meeting, parent/teacher conferences, the ALC Thanksgiving Celebration, the Walden Tree Lighting, and drama club performances.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was one individual requesting time to speak this evening:
John Ramos, Village of Walden Mayor
OLD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Middle School Curriculum:
Computer Skills – Grade 6
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the curriculum listed above, which has been available in the Office of Curriculum and Instruction for review, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board adopt the Grade 6 Computer Skills curriculum, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
B. Adoption of Resolution:
Approval of Stipulation of Agreement between Valley Central School District
and Parents of Student 2022-3 Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the Stipulation of Agreement provided to the Board members, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board approve the Stipulation of Agreement between Valley Central School District and the Parent of Student 2022-3, as
presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Capital Project 2021 Change Orders
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the Capital Project 2021 change orders provided to the Board members, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the Capital
Project 2021 change orders, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
B. Approval of High School/Middle School Charters:
1. VCMS Esports – Middle School
2. Valkyries – High School
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for motions to approve.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the Middle School Esports Club Charter, as presented and attached. Voting YES: 5; NO: Mrs. Revoir [5:1]
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board approve the High School Valkyries Club Charter, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
C. Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and
Anderson Center for Autism Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the Agreement
between Valley Central School District and Anderson Center for Autism, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
D. Adoption of Resolutions:
Reduction of Tax Assessment and Payment of Refunds Due to
Court Order and Judgment
1. JTTC Holdings, LLC
2. Walden NY 1, LLC
3. APR Walden Solar and Rt. 52 Solar
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the resolutions provided to the Board, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board approve the reduction of tax assessments and the payment of refunds due to court order and judgment for JTTC Holdings, LLC, Walden NY 1, LLC, APR Walden Solar and Rt. 52 Solar, as attached. Voting YES:
Unanimous [6:0]
E. Review of Middle School Curriculum:
Technology – Grade 7
Mr. Bond introduced this agenda item and noted that this curriculum will be available for the Board’s review in the Office of Curriculum and Instruction. It will be placed on the agenda for the January 9, 2023 Board meeting for consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting
YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m
December 1, 2022
The special meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 5:25 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: None
Also Present: None
Also Absent: Mr. Bellarosa, Ms. Serratore, Mr. Miller and Mr. Conklin, Media (WVT/THR)
PLEDGE TO FLAG
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond called for a motion to move into Executive Session at 5:25 p.m.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board convene to Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 7:34 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m.