main content starts hereApril 8, 2019 Meeting Minutes

| April 25, 2019

April 8, 2019

Farnsworth Technology Center | Mohonasen High School

Call to Order

The Board meeting was called to order by the President, Mrs. Gaglioti, at 6:00 PM.  Mrs. Gaglioti requested those present to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Roll Call

  • Board Members Present: Wade Abbott, Deborah Escobar, Lisa Gaglioti, Stacy MacTurk, Robert Piccillo, Patrick Ryan and Pamela Young
  • Board Members Absent:
  • Administrators Present: Mr. Shannon Shine, Christopher Ruberti, and Laurel Logan-King

Executive Session

MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Ms. Young, that an Executive Session be convened for the purpose of discussing specific personnel matters as well as an appeal to a Superintendent Hearing.  The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and voting.

MOTION made by Mrs. Escobar, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that the Executive Session be adjourned at 7:08 PM.  The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and voting.

Return to Public Session

The public session was called to order by the President, Mrs. Gaglioti, at 7:12 PM.  Mrs. Gaglioti requested those present to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Roll Call

  • Board Members Present: Wade Abbott, Deborah Escobar, Lisa Gaglioti, Stacy MacTurk, Robert Piccillo, Patrick Ryan and Pamela Young
  • Board Members Absent:
  • Administrators Present: Shannon Shine, Christopher Ruberti, Laurel Logan-King, Lisa Carnibucci, Karla Empie, Kevin Warren, Richard Arket, Jason Thompson, Thomas O’Connor, Leslie Smith, William Vacca, Matthew Hubbell, David Austin, Deborah Kavanaugh, and Tasha Anderson
  • Others In Attendance: Student representatives: Emma Drake and Youssef Jalwaj-Soubai, approximately 15 faculty members and 6 district residents.  Media coverage from Channel 9 Spectrum TV was in attendance as well.

Communications – Student Representatives

Youssef Jalwaj-Soubai and Emma Drake started off the meeting with updates from some of the activities held in the buildings recently.   A few of Bradt’s events were math madness, ninja night, and earth week where Bradt held several different activities to relate to the theme. Pinewood held a character day event, a visit from the Harlem Wizards, and practiced lockdown drills.  Draper went to U-Albany for their Career Day and will participate in the Family Fun Fair on April 11th.  The high school will have their senior graduation speaking contest soon and graduate Ryan Dickson spoke to music and theatre students about some of his accomplishments. National Honor Society induction ceremony was recently held and 60 juniors were inducted into the Society.  They also announced that Spring sports began and noted that the track, lacross and softball teams have done very well.

Climate Survey Results

Logan-King gave a presentation from the climate survey that was taken by teachers, students and parents in February. She explained the facts of the survey and reasons why the school took part in the survey. She showed how in most all categories we fell within the favorable range districtwide.   She mentioned that information from this survey can be utilized to increase awareness and examine where there are areas of need.  She reported that there is currently a climate committee being formed and the first meeting will be held on May 6th at 3:00 at the Draper Library.  Planning teams will be looking at ways to improve climate throughout the schools.  They will do this by utilizing services already in place as well as adding support services in each of the buildings.   She also mentioned if anyone was interested in being on the committee, they can contact herself or Mr. Arket.

AIS/RTI Student Supports

Mrs. Logan-King gave a report about the AIS/RtI (Academic Intervention Service/Response to Intervention) plans that each of the buildings have in place.  She explained what RtI is and also discussed the core principals of RtI.  During her presentation, she went over the 3-Tier approach of support and what each tier means.  Each building principal then gave presentations with details from their individual buildings on how this support program works within their buildings.  They also gave breakdown numbers on how many students were currently enrolled in each of the tiers of support.

Some questions were addressed after the presentations.

2019-20 Proposed Budget

Mr. Ruberti gave a presentation on the 2019-2020 budget. The total budget to be adopted is $54,355,000.  He reported that this is a budget increase of $1,290,000 (or 2.43%) and a tax levy increase of $1,042,745 (or 3.82%). The 2019-20 Tax Levy Limit is 3.82% which is within the calculated limit.  He then discussed some updates from the last meeting, including the final state budget, final increases in prescription costs, number of retirements, and the restoration of a 1.0 FTE music position.  He then went over the final staffing reductions and the impact on projected class size in grades K-6.    He went over the projected expenditures, projected revenues and the impact the budget will have on taxpayers.  He reviewed the proposed bus purchases and reminded everyone that there are two open seats to be filled for three-year terms.   He explained contingent budget rules and noted that May 13th will be the Budget Hearing and Meet the Candidate Night, and May 21st will be the Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election.  At this time, Mr. Ruberti answered some questions from the Board.

Communications – Board of Education

Mrs. Gaglioti, Ms. Young, and Mrs. MacTurk attended the BOCES annual meeting and dinner and mentioned that the food was delicious and were represented by four Mohonasen students.

Mr. Abbott discussed his frustration with the recent glitches with Computer Based Testing that happened again this year.  He gave his thoughts as to this topic and some suggestions as well.

Ms. Young congratulated the students that made National Honor Society – 60 students were inducted, which was the largest in Mohonasen history.

Mrs. Gaglioti reminded everyone to continue to contact your legislators and keep the pressure on.

Public Privilege of the Floor

Mr. Robert Godlewski, of Manas Drive in Schenectady, expressed his displeasure of the amount that we received in state aid.  He had concerns with the formula of the foundation aid, class sizes and limited teacher aides.  Mr. Godlewski then wished the teachers and support staff that will be retiring the best of luck.

New Business – Instructional

Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements

Request for Approval and Arrangement for the Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements and Committee on Pre-School Special Education

MOTION made by Ms. Young, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education approve and arrange for the recommendations of the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Pre-School Special Education for meetings held on March 13, 15, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and April 1, 2019.

The motion passed unanimously, seven members present and voting.

New Business – Business/Personnel

Approval of Health & Welfare Contract with North Greenbush Common School District (Revised Rate)

Request for Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with North Greenbush Common School District – Revised Rate

MOTION made by Mr. Abbott, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education approve the request for 8th grade students to participate in a field trip to Six Flags, New England on Thursday, June 6 – Friday, June 7, 2019.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval to enter into a Service agreement with Capital Region BOCES

Request for Approval to Enter into a Service Agreement with Capital Region BOCES

MOTION made by Ms. Young. Seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that the Board of Education approve the resolution and service agreement listed below with Capital Region BOCES related to Administrative Computer Services in Co-Ser 604.

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR ROTTERDAM-MOHONASEN SCHOOL DISTRICT

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District (hereinafter referred to as the “District”) desires to enter into a five year service agreement with the Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (hereinafter referred to as “CR BOCES”) in order for the CR BOCES to furnish certain services to the District pursuant to New York State Education Law §1950(4)(jj), those services being Administrative Computer services in Co-Ser 604.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District agrees to enter into a contract with the CR BOCES for the provision of said services to the District and not to exceed in total over the life of this agreement the annual amount of $19,378 and associated CR BOCES charges with such amount to include annual CR BOCES support costs and applicable taxes and surcharges, and with such support costs and applicable taxes and surcharges included at the current rate and subject to change as established in the CR BOCES budget or mandated by any federal, state or local authority.

This amount may be amended with the approval of both parties. The District will be liable to CR BOCES for early cancellation or withdrawal from this agreement to the same extent that CR BOCES is liable to any vendor(s) of these services, including liability for applicable penalties or liquidated damages, and the District will also be liable for costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, incurred by CR BOCES as consequence of any such early cancellation or withdrawal. The District further agrees to indemnify, defend and hold BOCES, its elected officials, its employees, and agents, harmless from any and all liability, claims including bodily injury or property damage, causes of action, damages and expenses, including attorney fees, which may arise out of the negligent actions of the District, its elected officials, employees, agents, invitees, and volunteers while using this service.

Payment will be made as part of a regular annual CR BOCES contract for services. Further, this agreement is subject to the approval of the Board of Education of CR BOCES. This contract will be for a maximum period of five years commencing on or about July 1, 2019 and continuing through June 30, 2024.

The motion passed unanimously, seven members present and voting.

Approval to Adopt the Proposed 2019-2020 School Year Budget

Request for Approval of Resolution to Adopt the Proposed 2019-2020 School Year Budget

MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution to adopt the 2019-2020 school year budget:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District, Towns of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, and Colonie and Guilderland, Albany county, New York, be authorized to expend the sum of fifty-four million three hundred fifty-five thousand dollars ($54,355,000) for school purposes during the 2019-2020 school year and levy the necessary tax therefore.

The motion passed unanimously, seven members present and voting.

      Approval of Minutes

      MOTION made by Mrs. Escobar, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that the Board of Education approve the minutes of March 25, 2019 and April 1, 2019.

      The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and votingApproved Financial Reports

        Approved Personnel Recommendations

        MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Mr. Ryan, that the Board of Education approve the following personnel recommendations:

        The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and voting.

        Mrs. Gaglioti congratulated the teachers who received their tenure appointments.

        Tenure Appointments

        Andre Pigliavento

        • Assignment: Elementary Education
        • Effective Date: October 1, 2019

        Marina Strang

        • Assignment: Elementary Education
        • Effective Date: November 10, 2019

        Retirements

        Marta Hewitt

        • Assignment: Psychology
        • Effective Date: Close of business June 30, 2019

        Kathleen Ives-Kline

        • Assignment: Speech
        • Effective Date: Close of business June 30, 2019

        Judy Andi

        • Assignment: Executive Secretary & School Board Secretary
        • Effective Date: Close of business December 27, 2019

        Cynthia Clough

        • Assignment:12-month Attendance Clerk
        • Effective Date: Close of business December 27, 2019

        John Galluzzo

        • Assignment: Custodian
        • Effective Date: Close of business September 30, 2019

        Patricia Hopkins

        • Assignment: Account Clerk/Typist
        • Effective Date: Close of business December 31, 2019

        Paul Paszkiewicz

        • Assignment: P/T Bus Driver & P/T Motor Equipment Operator (Light)
        • Effective Date: Close of business December 27, 2019

        Donna Patrician

        • Assignment: 12-Month Typist
        • Effective Date: Close of business December 31, 2019

        Mary Pels

        • Assignment: Mail Clerk
        • Effective Date: Close of business December 31, 2019

        William Rourke

        • Assignment: Head Custodian
        • Effective Date: Close of business July 11, 2019

        Sharon Senecal

        • Assignment: Cook
        • Effective Date: Close of business December 31, 2019

        Norman Vernon

        • Assignment: Custodian
        • Effective Date: Close of business December 31, 2019

        Appointments

        Loretta Cozza

        • Assignment HS/MS Summer School Principal – 2019
        • Salary: $6,000

        Lisa Carnibucci

        • Assignment HS/MS Summer School Assistant Principal – 2019
        • Salary: $4,000

        Marisa Caprara

        • Appointment: Long-Term Substitute
        • Assignment: Elementary Education
        • Date of Commencement: April 29, 2019
        • Expiration Date: Close of business June 30, 2019
        • Certification Status: Elementary Education Pre-K, K, Gr. 1-6
        • Salary: Permanent Step 6, plus graduate credits, pro-rated

        Gerald Sellick

        • Assignment Cleaner
        • Effective Date: April 8, 2019
        • Salary: $25,700

        David Rexford

        • Assignment: Substitute Bus Driver
        • Effective Date: April 8, 2019
        • Salary: $16.50/hour

        2018-19 Intramurals

        • Name: Mark Vachon
        • Building: Pinewood

        Resignations

        Daniel McConnelee

        • Assignment: School Dispatcher
        • Effective Date: Close of business April 22, 2019

        Saul Soto

        • Assignment: Cleaner
        • Effective Date: Close of business April 9, 2019

        Timothy Gentile

        • Assignment: P/T Bus Driver
        • Effective Date: Close of business April 12, 2019

        Suzanne Hile

        • Assignment: P/T Bus Driver
        • Effective Date: Close of business April 18, 2019

        Kristen Kaly

        • Assignment: P/T Bus Aide & P/T Cleaner
        • Effective Date: Close of business April 18, 2019

        Brianne Nyahay

        • Assignment: Substitute Food Service Helper
        • Effective Date: Close of business April 1, 2019

        Leaves of Absence

        Mark Daley

        • Assignment: P/T Bus Driver
        • Effective Dates: March 20, 2019 – April 23, 2019
        • Reason: Unpaid Leave of Absence (Family Medical Leave)

        Removal From Service

        Melissa Conaway

        • Assignment:Substitute Food Service Helper (Cafe Aide)
        • Effective Date: April 8, 2019

        Executive Session

        OTION made by Ms. Young, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that an executive session be convened at 8:40 PM for the discussion of specific personnel matters.  The motion passed unanimously, seven members present and voting.

        MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mr. Ryan, that the executive session be adjourned at 10:02 PM.  The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and voting.

        Adjournment

        MOTION made by Ms. Young, seconded by Mrs. Escobar, that the Board of Education meeting be adjourned at 10:02 PM.  The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and voting.