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Board of Education Meeting – July 11, 2017

Stillwater Central School District

Organizational and Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

July 11, 2017 – Stillwater, New York

Present: K. Greene, T. Hems, V.  Masterson, M.  Toleman, S. Valigorsky, B. McNeil, D. Giso, W. Callanan

Absent: J. Mueller

Also Present: Superintendent P. Morris, M.  Sgambati, Business Administrator  M.  Methe, Assistant Principal C. Froschauer, Director of Pupil Personnel Services R. Collins, Middle School Principal T. Hulihan, Elementary Principal P. Morcone, community member

Mrs. Morris called the Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:00 p.m.

Mrs. Morris led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Morris noted the location of exits, reminded everyone that smoking is not permitted on school grounds, and asked those in attendance to mute or turn off their cell phones.

  1. Oaths – Board of Education Members – The Oath of Office was administered by Mrs. Morris to re-elected Board member Brian McNeil, and recently elected Board members David Giso and William Callanan, whose terms expire 6/30/2020.
  2. President of the Board of Education – Mrs. Morris opened the floor for nominations for President of the Board of Education for the fiscal year 2106-17.
    1. V. Masterson nominated Timothy Hems for President of the Board of Education.
    2. There were no other nominations for President of the Board of Education.
    3. On the motion to elect Timothy Hems as President of the Board of Education:
      1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
    4. Mrs. Morris administered the oath of office to President Hems.
  3. Vice President of the Board of Education – President Hems opened the floor for nominations for Vice President of the Board of Education.
    1. S. Valigorsky nominated Valerie Masterson for Vice President of the Board of Education.
    2. There were no other nominations for Vice President of the Board of Education.
    3. On the motion to elect Valerie Masterson as Vice  President of the Board of Education:
      1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
  4. Appointment of Officers – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to  approve the following appointments of officers as  presented: (see supplemental minutes)
    1. School District Clerk – Mary Sgambati
    2. Deputy Clerk – Patti DeCota
    3. District Treasurer – Mark Methe
    4. Deputy Treasurer – Michael Bartis
    5. District Tax Collector – Renee Price
      1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
    6. Mrs. Morris noted that the officers would take their oaths at a later time.
  5. Other Appointments – On a motion by J. Butler, seconded by M. Toleman, to approve the following appointments:
    1. Physician – Dr. Stephen Sgambati, Jr.
    2. Auditor – Bonadio Group
    3. School Attorneys – Girvin & Ferlazzo
    4. Treasurer of Extra-Curricular Activity Funds – Donna Muir
    5. Claims Auditor – Dawn Mellon
    6. Deputy Claims Auditor – Marla Scarchilli
    7. Purchasing Agent – Business Administrator
    8. Deputy Purchasing Agent – Superintendent of schools
    9. Committee on Special Education (Chairperson & Committee) and Committee on Pre-School Special Education (Chairperson & Committee) – Chairpersons: Ryan Collins, Kerri Klinowski, Mikal Benamati – School Psychologists: Kerri Klinowski, Mikal Benamati – Child’s Teacher: All Stillwater general education instructional staff or BOCES/private school instructional staff – Supervisor/Providers: Michael Johnson, Paul Morcone, Timothy Hulihan, BOCES and private administrative staff, all Stillwater special education instructional and related service staff, BOCES special education instructional and related service staff – Parent member: – Diana Miller – Physician: Dr. Stephen Sgambati, Jr.
    10. Records Retention & Disposition Officer and Records Access Officer –
    11. Title IX Compliance Officer – Patricia Morris, Michael Johnson
    12. Dignity Act Coordinators (DAC) – Mike Johnson, Paul Morcone, Tim Hulihan
    13. Establish Audit Committee for 2017-18, comprised by entire Board of Education
    14. Attendance Office – Patricia Morris
    15. Asbestos Designee – Mike Kinisky
    16. Approve District Safety Committee
      1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
  6. Board Meeting Schedule – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to adopt the proposed Board of Education meeting calendar, which establishes  meetings on Tuesday evenings,  beginning at   6:00p.m. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  7. Official Banks and Newspapers – On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by M. Toleman, to designate the following as:
    1. Official Banks:
      1. Ballston Spa National Bank
      2. JP Morgan Chase Bank
      3. School Systems Federal Credit Union
    2. Official Newspapers:
      1. Gazette
      2. Saratogian
  8. Authorizations – On a motion by M. Toleman, seconded B. McNeil, to approve the following authorizations:
    1. Chief School Officer to Certify Payroll
    2. Treasurer or Deputy Treasurer to endorse all checks as necessary
    3. Chief School Officer to sign lunch reports
    4. Establish a Petty Cash Fund of $100 with Michael Bartis as Treasurer
    5. Establish Change Fund of $65 – Cafeteria
    6. Establish a Petty Cash Fund of $400 for ticket sales with Michael Bartis as Treasurer
    7. Chief School Officer to borrow funds necessary to operate district with Board approval
    8. Participation in BOCES Bids for food & paper supplies
    9. Chief School Officer to sign handicapped forms on  behalf of the Board of Education
    10. Chief School Officer to grant attendance of all school personnel at conferences, conventions and workshops
    11. Chief   School    Officer    to    approve     Health     Service Contracts with neighboring school districts
    12. Chief School Officer to apply for Grants in Aid
    13. Chief School Officer to make non-resident tuition agreements
    14. Establish Non-Resident Regular Education Student Tuition Rate of $4,500/year
    15. Accept NYSED Non-Resident Special Education Student Tuition Rate
    16. Washington-Saratoga-Warren BOCES to be designated as the Occupational Education Advisory Council for Stillwater Central School
    17. To readopt all current Board of Education policies for 2017-2018 school year
    18. Establish the mileage reimbursement rate at IRS rate (currently $.535/mile)
      1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
  9. Indemnification – Board members received copies of the school district’s insurance binder, and reviewed the procedures outlined by the school attorneys that must be followed in the event of legal action against a Board member. They were reminded that should they be served with legal notice of any claims or lawsuits in their capacity as Board members, they need to immediately notify Mrs. Morris. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by M. Toleman, to accept the insurance binder and approve the following resolution: WHEREAS the Board of Education of the Stillwater Central School District wishes to protect the District, the members of the Board of Education and any school district officers in actions brought against them or in any action or proceeding touching any district property or involving its rights or interests; and WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Stillwater Central School District wishes to protect its superintendent, principals, members of the teaching or supervisory staff, member of a committee on special education or subcommittee thereof, surrogate parent, as defined in the regulations of the commissioner of education, any member of the board of education or non-instructional employee in any action or proceeding, other than a criminal prosecution or an action or proceeding brought against him by the District, including proceedings before the commissioner of education, arising out of the exercise of his powers or the performance of his duties; and WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Stillwater Central School District wishes to protect its members, employees, officers, authorized volunteers or any other person holding a position by election, appointment or employment in the service of the school district, whether or not compensated, in any civil action or proceeding, state or federal, arising out of any alleged act or omission which occurred or allegedly occurred while the employee was acting within the scope of his employment or duties with the District,
      BE IT RESOLVED, that the benefits and protections afforded provided pursuant to §3811 of the Education Law, shall be available, subject to the procedural requirements set forth therein and,BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the benefits and protections provided pursuant to § 18 of the New York State Public Officers Law shall supplement and be available in addition to any  defense or indemnification protection conferred by other statutes, rules or regulation, including but not limited to, the protections provided pursuant to Education Law 93811, 93023 and N3028, subject to the procedural requirements set forth therein.

      1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
  10. There was no public input.
  11. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
    1. The minutes of the 6/6/2017 regular meeting of the Board of Education (see supplemental minutes)
    2. General Warrant #27 in the amount of $111,908.35 (see supplemental minutes)
    3. Cafeteria Warrant #13 in the amount of $5,499.15 (see supplemental minutes)
    4. Capital Warrant #9 in the amount of $174,573.00 (see supplemental minutes)
    5. Federal Warrant #8 in the amount of $26,582.50 (see supplemental minutes)
    6. Capital Warrant #8 in the amount of $23,544.90 (see supplemental minutes)
    7. Cafeteria Warrant #12 in the amount of $5,224.64 (see supplemental minutes)
    8. General Warrant #26 in the amount of $214,514.24 (see supplemental minutes)
    9. CSE/CPSE recommendations dated 7/3/17 (see supplemental minutes)
    10. List of employees who have district-provided cell phones (see supplemental minutes)
    11. Approve the following Extended School Year program staffing:
      1. Resignation – Emma Reichart, Aide
      2. Resignation – Mari Becker – Occupational Therapist
      3. Appointment – Eileen Callahan, Aide (3 hrs/day/30 days @ $12.32/hour)
      4. Appointment – Danielle Coffey, Occupational Therapist (2 days/week @ 3.5 hours/day
        1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
        2. Nays: 0
  12. Superintendent’s Report – Mrs. Morris updated the Board on the turf, noting that Chenango Sports recommended more frequent grooming in the sports seasons, as well as Gmax testing, and plan for replacement of the field in 2019 budget. She also mentioned that there were water issues with the baseball field on Palmer Street.
  13. Financial Reports – The Board of Education received a Fund Balance Projection and Condition of Accounts dated 6/28/2017, and Treasurer’s Reports for February, March and April 2017. (see supplemental minutes)
  14. Schedule B Appointments – On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by M. Toleman, to approve the Schedule B appointments as presented, with the exception of the appointment of Joe Greene as an assistant football coach. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  15. Instructional Leader – On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to appoint Alicia Werner as 5th grade instructional leader, at the stipend of $2,000.
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  16. Appointment – R. Ellsworth- Wlazlo, Childhood Ed, Grades 1-6 – On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to appoint Rebecca Ellsworth-Wlazlo to a probationary term in the tenure area of Childhood Education, Grades 1-6, effective 9/1/2017. Ms. Ellsworth-Wlazlo holds a professional certification in the area of Childhood Education, Grades 1-6. Ms. Ellsworth-Wlazlo will be placed on MA Step 14 of the salary schedule, with  additional  graduate hours, for a total salary of $58,625.00. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  17. Heidi Giebel – Visual Arts – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to appoint Heidi Giebel to a probationary term in the tenure area of Visual Arts, effective 9/1/2017. Ms. Giebel holds a professional certification in the area of Visual Arts. Ms. Giebel will be placed on MA Step 3 of the salary schedule, for a total salary of $42,625.00. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  18. Resignations – On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to accept the following teacher resignations, effective 6/30/2017:
    1. Diane Bakay-Talbot – Elementary
    2. Courtney Sayward – Math
    3. Cassandra Rosselle – Reading
    4. Amelia Pesez – Elementary
      1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
  19. Retirement – S. Salmon – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to accept art teacher Sue Salmon’s resignation for retirement effective 6/30/2017. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  20. Appointment – G. Mehan, Part-time Custodian – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to appoint Gerald Mehan as a part-time custodian at the rate of $24.44/hour, effective 6/7/2017.
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  21. 2017-18 Codes of Conduct and Attendance Policies – On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to adopt the 2017-18 Codes of Conduct and Attendance Policies as presented. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  22. Contract Approval – C. Meers – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to  approve the Agreement By and Between the Superintendent of Schools of the Stillwater CSD and Cindy Meers as presented. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  23. Contract Approval – Leonard Bus Sales, Inc. – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to extend the contract with Leonard Bus Sales, Inc, as presented for the 2017-18 school year. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  24. Kathryn Peacock Nursing Scholarship – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by M. Toleman, to establish the Kathryn Peacock Nursing Scholarship for a graduating senior in accordance with the family’s wishes. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  25. Concession Stand/Snack Bar Authorization – On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by V. Masterson, to adopt the following resolution:
    WHEREAS    , the Board of Education of the Stillwater Central School District (the “District”) desires to explore the feasibility of constructing a concession stand/snack bar near or about the location of its turf field for the benefit and convenience of the District and its visitors; and WHEREAS, at this early juncture it will be necessary for the District to consult with its architect, engineer, legal counsel, and/or the New York State Education Department regarding  such project; and WHEREAS, the Board desires that the Superintendent of Schools contact the appropriate person(s) and/or agency to discuss such project and determine its feasibility and, if feasible, its anticipated cost and timeframe for completion and report the same to the Board. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE STILLWATER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AS FOLLOWS:The Superintendent of Schools is hereby authorized to consult with the District’s architect, engineer, legal counsel, and/or the New York State Education Department regarding the feasibility  of constructing a concession stand/snack bar near or about the location of the District’s turf field and is further authorized to file any necessary and proper paperwork with the New York State Education Department as may be required to fully explore the feasibility of such project. The Superintendent of Schools will provide the Board of Education with her findings as such information becomes available.

    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  26. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by M. Toleman, to approve the following changes to Schedule B positions:
    1. Current
      1. Link Crew – two positions
        1. Senior Class Advisor – one position
    2. Proposed
      1. Link Crew – one position
        1. Senior Class Advisor – two positions (1 Lead Senior Class Advisor, 1 Senior Class Advisor)
    3. Advisor Recommendations 17-18
      1. Kim Cook – Lead Senior Class Advisor position
      2. Cindy Meers/Kelly Baily – split one Senior Class Advisor
    4. Establish the following positions
      1. Unified Basketball Coach position at a stipend of $1,200 with a recommended advisor for 17-18 of Ian Lewis
      2. Youth Activation Committee Advisor at a stipend of $200 with a recommended advisor for 17-18 of Lisa Miller
    5. Board members noted that a $1,000 grant is expected for Special Olympics to help support the Unified Basketball program for 2017-18.
      1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
  27. Increase in Meal Prices – On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to increase all meal prices (breakfast and lunch, student and adult) by $0.10.
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  28. Vision Setting Action Plan Proposal – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to authorize the Vision Setting Action Plan proposal in the amount of $9,000. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  29. Pay Increase – Substitute Bus Drivers and Substitute Bus Monitors – On a motion by M. Toleman, seconded by B. McNeil, to authorize a pay increase for substitute bus drivers to $16.96/hour, effective 7/1/2017, and substitute  bus  monitors to $11.00/hour, effective 9/1/2017.
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  30. School District Credit Card – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to authorize an increase in the School Systems district credit card limit to $2,000. (see supplemental minutes)
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  31. Mental Health Clinic – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to authorize the superintendent to begin the application process to establish a mental health clinic in the district to provide services to enrolled students and their families.
  32. Palmer Street Baseball Field – Board members discussed the drainage problems at the baseball field on Palmer Street after reviewing concerns expressed by the baseball coach and others. They agreed to ask Athletic Director Mr. Kinney to research options for improving conditions on the baseball field.
  33. Board Items of Interest – Board members stated that the graduation ceremonies were very well done. V. Masterson requested information on the results on Regents exams and this year’s standardized tests.
  34. Executive Session – On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to adjourn to executive session to discuss negotiations at 7:14 p.m.
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  35. Reconvene – On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to reconvene the meeting at 7:52 p.m.
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0
  36. Adjournment – On a motion by M. Toleman, seconded by B. McNeil, to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
    1. Ayes: 8 – Motion Carried
    2. Nays: 0

Minutes by Mary Sgambati, District Clerk