Stillwater Central School District

Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

August 15, 2017 – Stillwater, New York

Present: T. Hems, D. Giso, W. Callanan, S. Valigorsky, N. Greene, B. McNeil

Absent: V. Masterson, J. Mueller, M. Toleman

Also Present: Superintendent P. Morris, Clerk M. Sgambati, Business Manager M. Methe, Assistant Principal C. Froschauer, Middle School Principal T. Hulihan, Elementary Principal P. Morcone, employees

President Hems called the meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6;00 p.m.

Board members led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

There was no public input.

1. Consent Agenda
   1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to  approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
      1. The minutes of the Organizational and Regular Meeting of the Board of Education on 7/11/2017 (see supplemental minutes)
      2. General Warrant #1 in the amount of $290,415.55 (see supplemental minutes)
      3. General Warrant #2 in the amount of $31,521.95 (see supplemental minutes)
      4. Federal Warrant #1 in the amount of $8,080.94 (see supplemental minutes)
      5. CSE/CPSE recommendations dated 8/10/2017 (see supplemental minutes)
      6. Authorization to purchase new cafeteria tables in the amount of $27,000, noting that these items are on state contract (see supplemental minutes)
      7. Authorization to dispose of 22 old and obsolete cafeteria tables
      8. Accept the following resignations:
         1. Darcy Powell, Speech Teacher
         2. Serena Barclay, Elementary Teacher
         3. Joanne Boucher (Cafeteria/Recess Aide, noting that she is retaining her position as Classroom aide)
         4. Amanda VanDenburgh, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher
         5. Debbie Merchant, Teacher’s Aide
         6. Emma Reichart, Teacher’s Aide
         7. Courtney Reed, Teaching Assistant
         8. Teresa Wild, Literacy
      9. And the following Schedule B resignations:
         1. Kara Kolonsky – Varsity Softball
         2. Pete Kolonsky – Varsity Softball Volunteer
         3. Matt LeMoyne – Boys 7th Grade Basketball coach
      10. Approve the following appointments:
          1. Diane Ryan – substitute cleaner, effective 7/26/17
          2. Debbie Merchant – Cafeteria/Recess Aide (3 hours/day)
      11. And the following Schedule B appointments:
          1. Matt LeMoyne – Girls Varsity Basketball coach
          2. Patrick Foxton – Elementary Band
          3. Madison Ramnes – Odyssey of the Mind (elementary)
             1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
             2. Nays: 0
2. Superintendent’s Report
   1. Mrs. Morris discussed the online program Board Docs that would enable Board members to access their meeting materials online. Board members noted that these documents could also be shared via email or via Google Docs. They will discuss whether to purchase the Board Docs service at a future meeting.
   2. Board members also received a copy of the capital project schedule, and were invited to the Emergency Response Walkthrough of the district facilities on 8/22/17 at 7 p.m.
   3. Mrs. Morris also discussed topics for a Board of Education workshop that would be facilitated by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA), and suggested financial governance as a possible topic. Clerk M. Sgambati will provide additional information on NYSSBA workshops at the next Board meeting.
   4. Mrs. Morris also stated that she had received a proposal from field consultant Ryan Teeter to evaluate the baseball field and make recommendations to address concerns about drainage.
   5. Board members received portfolios that had been distributed to all students grades PreK through 12 with the district calendar, emergency response guide, and additional information.
3. 2017-18 Tax Warrant
   1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to adopt the 2017-18 Tax Warrant in the amount of $10,313,266. (see supplemental minutes)
      1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
4. 2017-18 Tax Rates
   1. On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to adopt the 2017-18 tax rates as follows:
      1. Stillwater
         1. School Tax Rate/Thousand: 14.009151
         2. Library Tax Rate/Thousand: 0.302229
         3. Total Tax Rate/Thousand: 14.31138
      2. Saratoga
         1. School Tax Rate/Thousand: 12.678282
         2. Library Tax Rate/Thousand: 0.273517
         3. Total Tax Rate/Thousand: 12.951799
      3. Easton
         1. School Tax Rate/Thousand: 598.032149
         2. Library Tax Rate/Thousand: 12.901748
         3. Total Tax Rate/Thousand: 610.933897
      4. Schaghticoke
         1. School Tax Rate/Thousand: 55.606498
         2. Library Tax Rate/Thousand: 1.199636
         3. Total Tax Rate/Thousand: 56.806134
   2. Board members noted that the tax rates for the Stillwater Library are separate, in addition to what is levied for the school district, and not under the jurisdiction of the Stillwater Board of Education. Therefore, the Board of Education does not vote on those tax rates, which are listed above:
      1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
5. Treasurer’s Reports
   1. Board members received the Treasurer’s Reports for May 31, 2017, and June 30, 2017. (see supplemental minutes)
6. Tax Certioraris
   1. Mr. Methe notified the Board that the District had received notification of two tax assessment challenges from James Doyle, and 1723 NYS Rte 4.
7. Appointment – S. Grace, PreK, Grades 1-6
   1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to  approve the appointment of Samantha Grace to a probationary term in the tenure area of Childhood Education, PreK, K, Grades 1-6, effective 9/1/2017. Ms. Grace holds professional certification in the areas of Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 2, and Childhood Education Grades 1-6.
   2. Ms. Grace will be placed on MA Step 4 of the salary schedule for a salary of $43,775. (see supplemental minutes)
      1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
8. Appointment – H. Ovsak, Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6
   1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by N. Greene, to approve the appointment of Hillary Ovsak to a probationary term in the tenure area of Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6, effective 9/1/2017. Ms. Ovsak holds professional certification in the areas of Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6.
   2. Ms. Ovsak will be placed on MA Step 3 of the salary schedule for a salary of $42,625. (see supplemental minutes)
      1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
9. Appointment – J. Mochi, Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6
   1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by N. Greene, to approve the appointment of Jessie Mochi to a probationary term in the tenure area of Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6, effective 9/1/2017. Ms. Mochi holds professional certification in the areas of Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6.
   2. Ms. Mochi will be placed on MA Step 8 of the salary schedule for a salary of $48,525. (see supplemental minutes)
      1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
10. Appointment – L. Coraldi, Teaching Assistant
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to  approve the appointment of Laura Coraldi to a probationary term as a Teaching Assistant, effective 9/1/2017. Ms. Coraldi holds initial certification in the areas of Childhood Education, Grades 1- 6.
    2. Ms. Coraldi will receive a salary of $17,817 in accordance with the terms of the STA contract. (see supplemental minutes)
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
11. Permanent Status – C. Urdang
    1. On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to  approve the permanent appointment of Carrie Urdang as school secretary effective 7/1/2017, in accordance with Civil Service requirements.
    2. Board members noted that this would not affect Ms. Urdang’s terms of employment, which are determined by the CSEA contract.
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
12. Contract Authorization – R. Timbs
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to authorize the expansion of Rick Timbs’ contract going forward as stipulated in the original contract dated 4/24/2017. (see supplemental minutes)
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
13. On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to authorize an increase in part-time payroll clerk Renee’ Price’s hours to 30 hours/week.
    1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
14. Approval – Addendum to Superintendent’s Contract
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by W. Callanan, to approve the following resolution:
       1. “BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves the addendum to the Superintendent’s contract dated August 15, 2017, and authorizes the Board President to execute said addendum and authorizes payment thereunder.”
          1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
          2. Nays: 0
15. Meal Charge Policy
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to  approve the first reading, waive the second reading, and adopt the Meal Charge Policy as presented, effective immediately. (see supplemental minutes)
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
16. Behavior Intervention Specialist
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by N. Greene, to establish the position of Behavior Intervention Specialist as a full- time position under the STA contract as recommended by the Superintendent.
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
17. Payment Authorization – Cafeteria Employees, Summer Hours
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by D. Giso, to authorize payment to cafeteria employees Joan Hopeck, John MacDonald, Beth McNeil, and Andrea Prairie at their hourly rate up, to a maximum of 20 hours, for attendance and participation at meetings pertaining to modifying the school meal program. (see supplemental minutes)
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
18. There were no communications, Board items of interest, or  public input.
19. Executive Session
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to adjourn to executive session at 6:50 p.m. to discuss negotiations.
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
20. Reconvene
    1. On a motion by D. Giso, seconded by B. McNeil, to reconvene the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
21. Contract – Lori Beckwith Consulting
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to  approve the contract with Lori Beckwith Consulting, in the amount of $3,948.00. (see supplemental minutes)
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
22. Part-time Typist
    1. On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to establish the position of .3 Typist.
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
23. Adjournment
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by N. Greene, to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
       1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0

Minutes by Mary Sgambati, District Clerk