June 12, 2023
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:45 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. Miller, Mr. Conklin, Student Representatives Ms. Ellison, and Ms. McGoldrick, and approximately twenty faculty, staff, students, and community members in the audience
Also Absent: Media (THR/WVT)
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Mr. Bond asked that everyone remain standing following the Pledge for a Moment of Silence for Filomena Bernatowicz, who passed away on June 5th. Mrs. Bernatowicz was a kindergarten teacher at Berea Elementary School for over 40 years.
Mr. Bond made the regular announcements regarding emergency egress, no smoking, public comment, 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. He thanked Greg Pawloski from the Technology Department for streaming tonight’s meeting on the District YouTube channel.
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, noted the Addendum, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, and Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Consent Agenda be approved, as amended, listed and attached:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated 5/22/23
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
A. Approval of BAN Principal Payment: Capital Project 2021
B. Approval of Use of CRRSA and ARP Funds: Capital Project 2021
C. Approval of Side Agreement: Valley Central Teachers’ Association
D. Approval of Side Agreement: Assistant to Superintendent/District Clerk
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Approval of Tenure Recommendations:
School/ Name /Tenure Area/ Effective Date
Berea/ Michelle Bohler /Elementary Education /September 1, 2023
East Coldenham /Daniel McDonald/ Elementary School Principal/ July 1, 2023 East Coldenham/ Michelle Donovan /Elementary Education/ September 1, 2023
East Coldenham/ Bernadette Henighan-DeMaro/ Special Education/September 1, 2023
East Coldenham /Lauren Elliott/ Art /September 1, 2023 /
East Coldenham/ Kristin Vasapolli/ School Media Specialist/ September 1, 2023
East Coldenham/ Katharine Terry /Music/ September 1, 2023/
Montgomery /Sarah Barringer/School Counselor /July 1, 2023
Middle School/Paige Matuszewski /Mathematics /September 1, 2023
Middle School /Lauren Ostner /Family & Consumer Science/ September 1, 2023
Middle School /Michelle DeZemo /Social Studies/September 1, 2023/
Middle School /Wendy Treiland/ Special Education/ September 1, 2023
High School /Amy Maher/ Mathematics/ September 1, 2023
High School /Ashley Bogert /Mathematics /September 1, 2023
High School /Suzanne Schiaffo /Science /September 1, 2023
High School /Stephen Smith/ Science/ September 1, 2023
High School /David Cloer /Special Education/Social Studies /September 1, 2023
B. Approval of Termination:
Noninstructional
Emily Forgione, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective June 13, 2023 This item was removed from consideration [Addendum]
C. Acceptance of Resignations:
Instructional
Logan Richmond, Music Teacher, Valley Central School District, effective June 30, 2023
Noninstructional
Nicholas Alfano, Groundsworker, Valley Central School District, effective June 2, 2023
Lori Schmidt, Paraprofessional (12 month/fulltime), Human Resources Department, Valley Central School District, effective June 30, 2023
Maria Lazatin, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective June 30, 2023
Deanna Wild, 2023 Summer School Paraprofessional Position Only, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective July 5, 2023
Jessica Dougherty, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Valley Central High School, effective June 12, 2023
Emily Forgione, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective June 9, 2023 [Addendum]
D. Approval of Leave of Absence:
Instructional
Stephanie Harrigan, Speech Pathologist, Valley Central School District, for childcare purposes, effective on or about November 20, 2023 through February 13, 2024
Noninstructional
Yahaira Diaz, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, for childcare purposes, effective on or about November 3, 2023 through December 8, 2023
E. Approval of Appointments:
Instructional
Bria Austin, certification pending in Social Studies 7-12, appointed to a four-year probationary position in the Social Studies tenure area commencing September 1, 2023 and ending September 1, 2027*
Zoey Calison, certification in Visual Arts, appointed to a four-year probationary position in the Art tenure area commencing September 1, 2023 and ending September 1, 2027*
Summer 2023 Related Services and Itinerant Staff (ESY), p/t, Valley Central School District – See Attached Listing
Middle School and High School Summer 2023 Curriculum Writing Staff, p/t, Valley Central School District – See Attached Listing
2023 Summer Opportunities Proctors and Graders, p/t, Valley Central School District – See Attached Listing
Elementary Summer 2023 Programs Substitutes, p/t, Valley Central School District – See Attached Listing
Team Leaders, p/t, East Coldenham Elementary School and Walden Elementary School, effective 2023 – 2024 School year – See Attached Listings
Substitute Teachers, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Attached Listing
Janelle Manson-Henry, certified in English as Second Language, appointed to a three-year probationary period in the English as Second Language tenure area commencing September 1, 2023 and ending September 1, 2026* [Addendum]
*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.
Noninstructional
John Solimando, Coordinator of Safety and Health, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2023 – 2024 School Year
Constance Griffin, School Nurse Coordinator, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2023- 2024 School Year
Lori Schmidt, Typist, Human Resources Department, Valley Central School District, effective July 1, 2023
Jessica Dougherty, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective June 13, 2023 Shana Savaglio, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective May 17, 2023 Jack Taylor, Seasonal Groundsworker, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2023 – 2024 School Year
Thomas Knight, Seasonal Groundsworker, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2023 – 2024 School Year
Jeffrey Glenn, Summer Custodial Worker, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective June 28, 2023 through August 31, 2023
Elementary Summer 2023 Programs Substitutes, p/t, Valley Central School District – See Attached Listing
2023 Summer School Food Service Helpers and Coordinator, p/t, Valley Central School District – See Attached Listing
Substitute Paraprofessionals/Food Service Helper, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Attached Listing
Substitute Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2023 – 2024 School Year – See Attached Listing
F. Approval of 2023-2024 Stand Alone Salaries
William Miller
Brad Conklin
Jackie Calarco
Ellen McGoldrick
Patricia Behr
Eleanore Mills
Ryan Schmidt
Sharon Delmonico
Stephen Ragni
Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
REPORTS
A. Student Representatives
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited Ms. Ellison to offer her report. Ms. Ellison provided information on activities at the High School, including the Spring Dance for the 9th and 10th Grade students, the Senior Dinner, the Senior Awards, Moving Up Day, Destination Day, the Festival of the Arts, plans for a Juneteenth celebration, PTSA movie night, and various athletic events and club activities.
B. Superintendent of Schools
Following introduction of this Agenda item by Mr. Bond, Ms. Avila provided information on recent District activities, including the Gradus Honoris Induction and Dinner, Scholar Athlete Breakfast, Senior Awards, Senior Dinner, Athletic Awards, Festival of the Arts and Night of Specials and reading to the students at East Coldenham Elementary School. Ms. Avila also commented on other events she was able to participate in or attend, such as the Orange County Elementary Special Olympics, the Orange County Executive’s Youth Awards Ceremony and a tour of the Fox Hill Community Playthings Factory.
C. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Miller commented on the reception for the tenure candidates, 25 year employees and retirees that took place earlier this evening, prior to the meeting. He also reported on the hiring of new staff for the 2023-2024 school year.
D. School Business Official
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Conklin provided a status update on the Capital Project.
E. OCSBA Delegates’ Meeting – June 7, 2023
Following introduction of this Agenda item by Mr. Bond, Mrs. Messing provided a brief overview of the annual meeting. Students from area districts were in attendance to discuss the Seal of Civic Readiness program.
F. Community Participation
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited the Board members to share what events they had attended or participated in within the District and community. Board members commented on the Orange County School Boards Association Annual Meeting, the High School’s Festival of the Arts, the Middle School’s Night of Specials, Honor Society Inductions, the Senior Awards, the PTA Council Social, the 5th Grade All District Concert, and Moving Up at the High School.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no requests for Public Comment this evening.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Adoption of Resolutions – Capital Project Bond Financing
1. Reconstruction and Improvements to School District Buildings – Health and Safety 2. Reconstruction and Improvements to School District Buildings – Educational Programming and Enhanced Security
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and noted that a roll call vote is required.
Mr. Conklin, Deputy District Clerk, referenced the resolution and documentation provided to the Board members and read the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES BY THE VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, ORANGE AND ULSTER COUNTIES, NEW YORK, AT A TOTAL ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST NOT TO EXCEED $31,980,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $21,295,000 SERIAL BONDS TO PAY THE COSTS THEREOF.
Mrs. Messing moved, and Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board adopt the Resolution, as presented and attached. A roll call vote showed:
Mr. Bond VOTING YES
Ms. McKnight VOTING YES
Mrs. Messing VOTING YES
Mrs. Revoir VOTING YES
Mrs. Samuelson VOTING YES
Mrs. Terralavoro VOTING YES
The motion was declared duly adopted [6:0].
Mr. Conklin, Deputy District Clerk, referenced the resolution and documentation provided to the Board members and read the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES BY THE VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, ORANGE AND ULSTER COUNTIES, NEW YORK, AT A TOTAL ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST NOT TO EXCEED $14,615,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $11,605,000 SERIAL BONDS TO PAY THE COSTS THEREOF.
Mrs. Revoir moved, and Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board adopt the Resolution, as attached. A roll call vote showed:
Mr. Bond VOTING YES
Ms. McKnight VOTING YES
Mrs. Messing VOTING YES
Mrs. Revoir VOTING YES
Mrs. Samuelson VOTING YES
Mrs. Terralavoro VOTING YES
The motion was declared duly adopted [6:0].
B. Approval of High School Curriculum:
1. Life Skills
2. Career & Financial Management
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. These curricula was presented at the May 22, 2023 Board meeting and has been available for review in the Office of Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Bond called for motions to adopt the above listed curriculum.
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the High School Life Skills curriculum. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the High School Career & Financial Management curriculum. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Bid Renewal Recommendations:
1. Wet/Dry Trash Removal – Interstate Waste Services
2. Plumbing Service – PK Songer Plumbing
3. Electrical Service – Harry Rotolo & Sons, Inc.
4. Cleaning of Septic Tanks, Grease Traps, and Lines – Fred A. Cook, Jr., Inc. 5. Asphalt Repairs and Replacement – Catalyst Construction, LLC
6. Sign Language Interpreter and Instruction Services – Sign Language Resources, LLC
7. Administration Building Storefront – Reliable Glass and Door Corp.
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the bid recommendations provided to the Board, and called for motions to approve.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve the Wet/Dry Trash Removal Bid to Interstate Waste Services, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the Plumbing Service Bid to PK Songer Plumbing, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board approve the Electrical Service Bid to Harry Rotolo & Sons, Inc., as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the Cleaning of Septic Tanks, Grease Traps and Lines Bid to Fred A. Cook. Jr., as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve the Asphalt Repairs and Replacement Bid to Catalyst Construction, LLC, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the Sign Language Interpreter and Instruction Services to Sign Language Resources, LLC, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve the Administration Building Storefront Bid to Reliable Glass and Door Corp., as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
B. Adoption of Resolution:
Rockland BOCES Energy Purchasing Consortium
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the resolution provided to the Board members, and called for motion.
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board adopt the resolution approving the District’s participation in the Rockland BOCES Energy Purchasing Consortium for the 2023-2024 school year, as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
C. Adoption of Resolutions:
1. Establishment of Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund 2022-2023
2. Dissolution of Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund 2017-2018
3. Funding of Reserve Funds
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and asked if there were any objections to these resolutions being considered together. There being none, he called for a motion to adopt.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board adopt the resolutions establishing the tax certiorari reserve fund for 2022-2023, dissolving the tax certiorari reserve fund for 2017-2018, and funding the reserve fund account, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
D. Approval of Boards of Registration and Election 2024-2025
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the Board of Registration and Election for the 2024-2024 budget vote and election, as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
For the record, it is expected that this listing will substantially change. In the spring, the Board will be asked to approve an updated list before the budget vote in May.
E. Approval of Summer Curriculum Writing Project:
Walden Elementary PBIS
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the memorandum from Mr. Heidemann dated June, 2023, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board approve the Walden Elementary PBIS summer curriculum writing project, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
F. Approval of Independent Contractor Renewal:
Allen Associates
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the proposal submitted by Allen Associates dated June 1, 2023, and called for a motion.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board approve the renewal of the contract with Allen Associates for policy maintenance services for 2023-2024 school year, as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
G. Approval of Agreements between Valley Central School District and
The Center for Discovery
1. Educational/Residential Services 2023-2024
2. Consultation Services 2023-2024
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the above listed agreements, and called for a motion.
Ms. Samuelson moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board approve the agreements with The Center for Discovery for educational/residential and consultation services for the 2023-2024 school year, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
H. Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and
J&D Ultracare
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement between the Valley Central School District and J&D Ultracare, and called for a motion.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the 2023-2024 Agreement between Valley Central School District and J&D Ultracare be approved. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
I. First Reading of:
1. Policy 4321.5 – Confidentiality and Access to Individualized Education
2. Programs, Individualized Education Services Programs and Service Plans (Revised) 3. Policy 5151 Homeless Children (Revised)
4. Policy 5311.9 – Dignity for All Students Act (Revised)
5. Policy 5710 – School Safety and Educational Climate (SSEC Reporting) (Revised) 6. Policy 8140 – Unsafe School Transfer Choice (New)
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and read a summary of the revisions to the above listed Board policies. These revised policies will be presented for a second reading and adoption at the July 10, 2023 Board meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Bond noted the need for the Board to meet in Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations. He announced that there will be no action following Executive Session and the meeting will be adjourned.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board move into Executive Session at 7:10 p.m. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 7:37 p.m. Voting: YES: Unanimous [6:0]
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m.