November 14, 2022
The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order in the Administration Building at 6:31 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. Wolven, Ms. Ellison and Ms. Vega, Ms. McGoldrick,
and approximately fifty 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 a student matter.
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board convene in Executive Session at 5:30 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Ms. McKnightmoved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board come out of Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
PLEDGE TO FLAG
Following the Pledge, Mr. Bond asked that everyone remain standing following the Pledge for a moment of silence for Margaret Venable, who passed away on October 31st. Mrs. Venable served as a Board member from 1994-2000.
Mr. Bond then 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.
Mr. Bond noted that there were some changes to tonight’s agenda. The CSArch Capital Project presentation that was scheduled for this evening has been postponed to an upcoming meeting; Item C under Old Business, Approval of Stipulation of Agreement between Valley
Central School District and Parents of Student 2022-3, has been removed from consideration this evening; and Item E under New Business, Presentation and Review of Club Charters, will be moved up on the agenda and presented following the East Coldenham Elementary Student Presentation.
APPOINTMENT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and read the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes Joseph Bond, Board President, to sign a three year employment contract, dated November 14, 2022, with Evette Avila, to serve as Superintendent of Schools for the three year term commencing on January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31,
2025, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said contract shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adopt the resolution.
Ms. McKnight moved, Mrs. Samuelson seconded that the Board adopt the resolution appointing Evette Avila as Superintendent of Schools, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond then introduced and welcomed Ms. Avila, who thanked the Board and
community for the opportunity to serve as the next Superintendent. A round of applause was offered.
STUDENT PRESENTATION
East Coldenham Elementary School
Teachers Allie Borriello and Chris Malley led a group of students through a Crazy 8s activity. Crazy 8s is a popular club that offers math activities and games that appeal to kids of all math abilities. The following students participated in the presentation:
Ana Vuksanovich
Lukas Vuksanovich
Darius Caballero
Dominic Gonzalez
Emily Thorn
Levi Boulanger
NEW BUSINESS
E. Presentation and Review of Club Charters:
1. VCMS Esports – Middle School
2. Valkyries – High School
3. Skills Club: Looking to Our Future – High School
Following introduction of this Agenda item, the secondary principals and club advisors reviewed the proposed charters. These club charters will be placed on the December 12, 2022 agenda for consideration.
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. McKnight Revoir moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the following Consent Agenda be approved, as listed and/or attached:
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
A. Regular Board Meeting Minutes dated 10/11/22
FINANCIAL REPORTS
A. Acceptance of Treasurer’s Report for September
B. Acceptance of Expenditure Budget Status Report for September
C. Acceptance of Revenue Budget Status Report for September
D. Acceptance of Record of Claims for September
E. Acceptance of Extraclassroom Reports for September
F. Acceptance of Cafeteria Reports for September
G. Acceptance of Investment Report for September
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CSE/CPSE
FOR APPROVAL
A. Acceptance of Donations:
1. Valley Central School District – Dictionaries
Walden Rotary Club
2. Valley Central School District – Whirlpool Refrigerator
Hannaford School Pantry Cold Storage Grant
3. Valley Central High School –Refurbishment of Band Practice Rooms
Douglas Stickles – Boy Scout Troop 31
B. Approval of Anticipated Overnight Trip Request:
1. Valley Central High School – Senior Class Trip
C. Approval of Guided Reading Materials – Grades K -5
D. Approval of Stipulation of Settlement between Valley Central School District and the Valley Central Administrators Association
E. Approval of Stipulation of Agreement between Valley Central School District, the Valley Central Teachers Association & Stephanie Walsh
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Acceptance of Resignations:
Instructional
Kristen Becker, Business Teacher and Business Department Chairperson, Valley Central High School, effective November 4, 2022
Noninstructional
William Sherry, Hall Monitor Coordinator Position only, p/t, Valley Central High School, effective October 21, 2022
David Truglio, Custodial Worker, Valley Central School District, effective November 14, 2022
Barbara Adams, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective November 10, 2022
Megan DeVries, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective November 14, 2022
Emily Prior, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective November 14, 2022
Marissa Miller, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective October 26, 2022
Barbara Fischl, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective November 4, 2022
B. Approval of Leave of Absence:
Instructional
Jenna Cuilty, Kindergarten Teacher, Walden Elementary School, for childcare purposes, on or about February 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023
C. Approval of Appointments:
Instructional
Lori Rodriguez, certified in English to Speaking Other Languages, appointed to a four-year probationary period in the English as Second Language tenure area, commencing November 15, 2022 and ending November 15, 2026*
Andrew Schauer, certified in Technology Education, appointed to a four-year
probationary period in the Technology Education tenure area, commencing November 15, 2022 and ending November 15, 2026*
Michael Gonzalez, certified in Business 7-12, appointed to a four-year
probationary period in the Business tenure area, commencing December 15, 2022 and ending December 15, 2026*
Caitlin Bennett, certified in Students with Disabilities 5-9 Generalist, Students
with Disabilities 1-6 and Students with Disabilities Birth-Gr. 2, appointed to a three-year probationary period in the Special Education tenure area, commencing December 15, 2022 and
ending December 15, 2025*
Megan DeVries, certified in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Gr. 2), appointed
to a four-year probationary period in the Elementary Education tenure area, commencing November 15, 2022 and ending November 15, 2026*
Mara Costagliola, GradPoint Teacher, p/t, Valley Central High School, effective2022 – 2023 School Year
Denyse LaVallie, Business Department Chairperson, p/t, Valley Central HighSchool, effective November 15, 2022
Mara Costagliola, Team Leader, p/t, Alternative Learning Center, effective 2022– 2023 School Year
Evening High School Substitute Teachers, p/t, Valley Central School District,effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Substitute Teachers/Home Tutors, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
CPSE Committee Members, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 –2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
*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
David Truglio, Courier, Valley Central School District, effective November 15, 2022
James DeZemo, Grounds Supervisor, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective October 7, 2022
Mark Ojeda, Custodial Worker, Valley Central School District, effective November 15, 2022
Grace Gratz, Paraprofessional, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective November 15, 2022
Ibrahim Hassou, Paraprofessional (School Monitor), p/t, Valley Central School District, effective November 15, 2022
Jazmin Hidalgo, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Valley Central High School, effective November 15, 2022
Sara Donovan, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Alternative Learning Center, effective November 15, 2022
Marko Gvozdenovic, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Alternative Learning Center, effective November 15, 2022
Dayna Pendino, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Berea Elementary School, effective November 15, 2022
Emily Steger, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Berea Elementary School, effective November 15, 2022
Patricia Moore, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Berea Elementary School, effective November 15, 2022
Emily Prior, Paraprofessional (1:1), p/t, Berea Elementary School, effective November 15, 2022
Taisha Sharpe, Paraprofessional, p/t, Walden Elementary School, effective November 15, 2022
Damaris Torres, Paraprofessional, p/t, Walden Elementary School, effective November 15, 2022
Kourtney Mills, Paraprofessional (1:1), Harmony Christian School, effective November 15, 2022
Substitute Paraprofessionals/Custodial Worker, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
Extracurricular
Advisors, p/t, Valley Central High School, Alternative Learning Center, East
Coldenham Elementary School and Walden Elementary School, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listings
Cocurricular
Winter Coaching and Non-Paid Coaching Assignments, p/t, Valley Central School District, effective 2022 – 2023 School Year – See Separate Listing
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. Kenzye Wolven, Lilly Ellison and Fiorella Vega provided information on events at the High School including the Senior Tea, athletic events, extracurricular clubs, the Shakespeare
drama production, a Math League competition, honor society inductions and fundraising events.
B. Interim Superintendent
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Bellarosa commented on student discipline.
C. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Ms. Serratore spoke about professional
development, including the trainings held on the November 8th Superintendent’s Conference
Day. She noted that surveys were sent out to staff following the trainings and the feedback has been positive.
D. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mr. Miller provided information on the District’s mid-year hiring efforts.
E. School Business Official
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Mr. Conklin reported on the status of the Capital Project.
F. OCSBA Delegates’ Meetings – October 12, 2022 & November 2, 2022
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Mrs. Messing and Mrs. Revoir provided a brief review of the topics discussed at the meetings.
G. NYSSBA Annual Business Meeting – October 17, 2022
NYSSBA Convention & Education Expo – October 27-29, 2022
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and turned the floor over to Mrs. Terralavoro, the NYSSBA Delegate, who reported on the propositions voted on at the NYSSBA Annual Business Meeting. Mr. Bond, Mrs. Messing and Mrs. Revoir were able to attend the conference in Syracuse this year and offered some highlights.
H. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee – October 18, 2022
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item. Ms. Serratore updated the Board on the
Committee’s initiatives and new trainings.
I. Guidance Advisory Council – October 21, 2022
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and invited Mrs. Terralavoro, the Board’s liaison, to offer her report. She shared the topics discussed at the meeting included the District’s guidance plan, student attendance, and a YALE Ruler update.
OTHER
Mr. Bond noted that the Technology Committee had a meeting last week and invited Mrs. Revoir, the Board’s liaison, to comment. She reported on cybersecurity concerns and the importance of having a safety plan in place in the event that the District’s technology is threatened.
J. Community Participation
Following introduction of this Agenda item, Board members commented on events that they had participated in or attended, including the Valley Central Education Foundation’s Harvest Awards Reception, the NYSSBA Convention, honor society inductions, a performance by the Shakespeare Club, the Senior Tea, the VC21 meeting, a swim team meet and fundraiser, and athletic events.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no requests for public comment this evening.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Second and Final Reading of:
1. Regulation 2370-R – Public Comment at Board Meetings (Revised)
2. Policy 1210 – Relationship with Booster Organizations (New)
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for motions to adopt.
Mrs. Terralavoro moved, Mrs. Messing seconded that the Board adopt Regulation 2370- R, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board adopt Policy 1210, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
B. Adoption of Resolution:
Approval of Stipulation of Agreement between Valley Central School District
and Parent of Student 2022-2
This Agenda item was removed from consideration this evening.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of 2023-2024 Budget Planning Calendar
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the 2023-2024 budget season calendar provided to the Board members, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Samuelson moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the 2023-2024 budget planning calendar, as presented and as attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
B. Approval of 2022-2023 District Internal Auditor:
Nugent & Haeussler, P.C. Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the memorandum from Brad Conklin to Michael Bellarosa dated October 26, 2022, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the appointment of Nugent & Haeussler, P.C. as Internal Auditor for the 2022-2023 school year, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
C. Approval of Capital Project 2021 Change Orders
Mr. Conklin requested that this Agenda item be removed from consideration this evening and placed on the December 12, 2022 Board agenda.
D. Approval of Agreement between Valley Central School District and
Epik Athletics. Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the agreement between the Valley Central School District and Epik Athletics, and called for a motion.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve the agreement, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
E. Presentation and Review of Club Charters:
1. VCMS Esports – Middle School
2. Valkyries – High School
3. Skills Club: Looking to Our Future – High School
These presentations were made earlier this evening.
F. Approval of Club Charter:
Crazy 8s Math Club – Walden Elementary School
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item and called for a motion.
Mrs. Revoir moved, Ms. McKnight seconded that the Board approve the Crazy 8s Math Club at Walden Elementary School, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
G. Approval of Athletic Programs:
1. Girls Varsity Flag Football
2. Intramural Wrestling – Elementary
3. Intramural Volleyball – Elementary
Mr. Bond introduced this Agenda item, referenced the proposals from Director of Athletics Richard Steger, and called for motions.
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Revoir seconded that the Board approve the Girls Varsity Flag Football Program, as presented and attached. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the Elementary Wrestling Program, as presented and attached. Voting YES: 5; NO: Mr. Bond [5:1]
Mrs. Messing moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the Board approve the Elementary Intramural Volleyball Program, as presented and attached. Voting YES: 5; NO: Mr. Bond [5:1]
H. Review of Curriculum:
Computer Skills – Grade 6
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 December 12, 2022 Board agenda for consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Bond called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Mrs. Revoir moved, Mrs. Terralavoro seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Voting YES: Unanimous [6:0]
Mr. Bond adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.