January 30, 2023
The Capital Project Bond Referendum work session of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 5:35 p.m. by President Joseph Bond
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Ms. McKnight, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro ABSENT: None
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Mr. Conklin, Ms. McGoldrick, approximately ten faculty/staff members in the audience, and Media (WVT)
Also Absent: Ms. Serratore, Mr. Miller, and Media (THR)
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 5:03 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 5:24 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, and audiotaping of the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Review of Anticipated Capital Project
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Ritzenthaler from CSArch presented a PowerPoint outlining the Capital Project planning process and the proposed scope of work for each building, which includes items such as security vestibules in each of the District’s school buildings, classroom/office renovations, cooling zones, updated signage, and facility repair/upgrades. This recommended scope of work will likely result in a zero tax impact. Mr. Conklin noted that the Board may wish to consider additional options for work to be included in the proposed Capital Project if interested in a larger project.
Feedback
Following Mr. Ritzenthaler’s presentation, Ms. Avila, Mr. Conklin, Mr. Ritzenthaler, Mr. Schmidt, Mr. Ragni, Mrs. Patchen, Mr. Solimando, Mr. Heidemann, Dr. Burns, Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Devine from The Palombo Group responded to questions from the Board members.
Discussion continued on the various options and priorities to be included in the Capital Project, as well as the anticipated state aid and financial impact.
ADJOURNMENT
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Conklin adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
January 9, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:52 p.m. by President Joseph Bond.
PRESENT: Mr. Bond, Mrs. Messing, Mrs. Revoir, Mrs. Samuelson and Mrs. Terralavoro
ABSENT: Ms. McKnight
Also Present: Ms. Avila, Ms. Serratore, Mr. Miller, Mr. Conklin, Mr. Bellarosa, Ms. McGoldrick, Student Representatives Ms. Ellison and Ms. Vega, Media (WVT) and approximately forty faculty, staff, students and community members in the audience
Also Absent: Media (THR)
STUDENT PRESENTATION
Montgomery Elementary School
Fifth Grade teachers Melissa Nogueira, Jaclyn Gollinger, Debra Peet, Danielle Quitoni and Kathleen Alexander led a group of students through a presentation of their “Living Museum” project. Each student chose an important person to research and “became” that person by dressing, speaking and acting like the person they chose.
The following students participated in the presentation: Anaya Christian, Amber Countryman, Lucien Quick, Grace Verma, Hazel Schultz, Kaylin Hamel, Elise Gaina, Michael Messing, and Mullyn McAnney.
The students were thanked for their presentation and a round of applause was offered.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond called for a motion to convene in Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular persons and contract negotiations under the Taylor Law.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:52 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Following the Pledge, Mr. Bond asked that everyone remain standing following the Pledge for a moment of silence for two members of the Valley Central Community who recently passed. Edward Hart, a retired High School Social Studies Teacher and Department Chair, passed away on December 21st. He was a teacher with the District for 33 years and retired in 1986. Pamela Maroney, one of our Food Service Helpers at Walden Elementary School, passed away on December 22nd.
Mr. Bond then made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, nosmoking, 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
Ms. Avila 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, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as listed and/or attached:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated 12/12/22
FINANCIAL REPORTS
A. Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report for November
B. Acceptance of Expenditure Budget Status Report for November
C. Acceptance of Revenue Budget Status Report for November
D. Acceptance of Record of Claims for November
E. Acceptance of extraclassroom Report for November
F. Acceptance of Cafeteria Profit and Loss Report for November
G. Acceptance of Investment Report for November
H. Approval of General Fund Budget Transfer for November
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
Approval of Overnight Trip Requests:
High School – New York State Band Directors Association
Middle School – New York State Band Directors Association
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
Approval of Tenure Recommendation:
School Name Tenure Area Effective Date
East Coldenham Joanna Rude Reading January 2, 2023
Acceptance of Resignations:
Instructional
Lisa Korpics, Social Studies Teacher, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
Elaine Keefer, Mathematics Teacher, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
William Bacon, Technology Teacher, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
Diane Umstetter, Special Education Teacher, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
Holly Ann Bacon, Special Education Teacher, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
Frank DiPasqua, Special Education Teacher, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective January 26, 2023
Michelle Annunziata, Physical Education Teacher, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
Noninstructional
Madeline Barry, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective March 4, 2023
Gina Alvarez Betancourth, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Valley Central Middle School, effective January 3, 2023
Patricia Duffy, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective January 9, 2023
Dinelia Villanueva, Paraprofessional (LPN), p/t, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
Michele Catalfamo, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, for retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2023
Approval of Appointments:
Instructional
Substitute Teachers, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023
School Year – See Attached Listing
Noninstructional
Cody Davenport, Custodial Worker, Valley Central School District, effective January 10, 2023
Patricia Duffy, Typist, Valley Central School District, effective January 10, 2023
Felicia Dwyer, Food Service Helper, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective January 10, 2023
Shana Savaglio, Food Service Helper, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective January 10, 2023
Deanna Wild, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Berea Elementary School, effective January 10, 2023
Dorene McGee, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Walden Elementary School, effective January 23, 2023
Substitute Paraprofessionals, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Attached Listing
Cocurricular
Aquatics Staff, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Attached Listing
Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
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, extracurricular clubs, preparations for the upcoming Regents Exams, and plans for the Sophomore Class Trip to Boston.
Superintendent of Schools
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Ms. Avila reviewed her first week in the District and expressed appreciation for the warm welcome she received.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Following introduction of this Agenda item Ms. Serratore reminded the Board and those in the audience that the VC21 meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 11th at Walden Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Mr. Miller had no report this evening.
School Business Official
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Conklin reported on the failure of a ventilation unit in the High School gymnasium on Christmas Day that caused a high volume of water to be released onto the gym floor. Montgomery Fire Department responded to the call and assisted in stopping the flow of water. Mr. Conklin thanked Tamara Kirschner, the High School Head Custodian, and Ryan Schmidt, the Director of Facilities, for their work in cleaning up the water and preventing further damage.
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, a PTA Council meeting, building tours, and a rally and press conference in Albany to support the Universal School Meals Program.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no requests for Public Comment this evening.
OLD BUSINESS
Anticipated Capital Project Presentation:
CSArch and BPD Financial Advisors
Following introduction of this Agenda item by Mr. Bond, Mr. Conklin shared that the Capital Project referendum to be presented to the voters in May would be focused on priorities including health and life safety, building safety and security, system obsolescence, energy efficiency, and operations and maintenance efficiencies. Mr. Conklin the invited Mr. Ritzenthaler from CSArch to offer his presentation.
Mr. Ritzenthaler reviewed the Capital Project planning process, a recommended scope of work that will likely result in a zero tax impact, as well as additional items that the Board may wish to consider if interested in a larger project.
Mr. Conklin, Mr. Ritzenthaler and Mr. Schmidt responded to questions from the Board members.
Mr. Bond then introduced Jason Schwartz from BPD Financial Advisors. Mr. Schwartz reviewed the financial impact of the anticipated Capital Project. Following his presentation, Mr. Schwartz responded to questions from the Board members.
Mr. Conklin noted that in order to present the referendum to the voters in May, the Board would need to approve the scope of the Capital Project at the March 27th Board meeting. A work session of the Board of Education to review the Capital Project will be scheduled in the next few weeks and a notice will be posted on the District website.
Adoption of Curriculum:
Technology – Grade 7
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. Terralavoro seconded that the Board adopt the Grade 7 Technology curriculum, as presented. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
NEW BUSINESS
2023-2024 Budget Presentation:
Budget Snapshot
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Conklin reviewed the budget development schedule, the current budget picture, and anticipated costs and revenues for the 2023-2024 school year. Ms. Avila spoke about the District’s mission and goals, which help inform the budget planning. Ms. Serratore provided information on staff professional development, as well as the curriculum and instruction programs in place for this school year.
At the next Board meeting on February 13th, the Superintendent’s and Board’s budget initiatives for next school year will be presented.
Mr. Conklin invited members of the community to attend the budget presentations, ask questions, and offer input to help develop a budget that will support the District’s goals.
Approval of Memorandum of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Valley Central Teachers’ Association
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the Memorandum of Agreement between Valley Central School District and the Valley Central Teachers Association, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board approve the Memorandum of Agreement between Valley Central School District and the Valley Central Teachers Association, as presented and attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous: [5:0]
Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and Mt. Pleasant Cottage School Union Free School District
Mr. Bond in
troduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement provided to the Board members, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the agreement between Valley Central School District and Mt. Pleasant Cottage School Union Free School District, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
Adoption of Resolution:
Village of Walden School Tax Exemption
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the resolution authorizing certain parcels of property owned by the Village of Walden and used for public utility services be exempted from school taxes, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board adopt the resolution, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
Adoption of Resolution:
2022-2023 Health & Welfare Services Rate
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the resolution establishing the 2022-2023 Health and Welfare Services rate at $1,451.17 per pupil, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board adopt the resolution establishing the 2022-2023 Health and Welfare Services rate, as presented and attached. Voting: YES: Unanimous [5:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [5:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.