Stillwater Central School District

Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

June 12, 2018 – Stillwater, NY

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

Absent: J. Mueller, M. Toleman

Also Present: Superintendent P. Morris, Clerk M. Sgambati, Business Administrator S. Messineo, Terri Gifford of the Express, Director of Transportation C. Nelson, Director of Pupil Personnel Services R. Collins, Elementary Principal P. Morcone, Board Member-elect P. Lilac, L. Derway of NYCLASS, Math Consultant Betty Barrett, employees

There was no discussion during the public hearing on the proposed 2018-19 Elementary and Middle/High Schools Codes of Conduct.

President Hems called the meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:06 p.m.

Board members led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mrs. Morris introduced Business Administrator Scott Messineo. She and Board members also thanked District Clerk Mary Sgambati for her years of service.

I. Lyn Derway, Regional Director of NYCLASS, reviewed their financial services available to municipalities. Funds are invested into a common pool of high-grade, fixed-income investment assets that have the objective of preserving the principal while assets remain liquid, and return on investments is maximized.

Math consultant Betty Barrett discussed the math program at the elementary school, noting that it strives to meet the needs of all students. Ms. Barrett has been with the district for six years, three in the middle school, and most recently three in the elementary school.

II. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
The minutes of the 5/22/2018 regular meeting of the Board of Education (see supplemental minutes)

• General Warrant #32 in the amount of $289,503.81 (see supplemental minutes)
• Capital Warrant #13 in the amount of $1,492.70 (see supplemental minutes)
• Emergency Warrant #31 in the amount of $32,894.58 (see supplemental minutes)
• Cafeteria Warrant #13 in the amount of $12,226.96 (see supplemental minutes)
• Federal Warrant #8 in the amount of $10,547.91 (see supplemental minutes)
• General Warrant #30 in the amount of $82,133.73 (see supplemental minutes)
• Federal Warrant #7 in the amount of $24,582.00 (see supplemental minutes)
• The CSE/CPSE recommendations dated 5/5/2018 (see supplemental minutes)
  • Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
  • Nays: 0

III. Mrs. Morris, asked the Board to consider authorizing a school-sponsored student trip to France in spring 2020. The trip would be coordinated through Jumpstreet Educational Tours at an approximate cost of $3,200 per student. (see supplemental minutes)

In response to a few Board members’ concerns that some students may not be able to afford the trip, French teacher Ms. Heflin stated that students could raise funds to help defray the cost. This trip will be included on a future agenda item.

Mrs. Morris also thanked departing Board member Michael Toleman for his service on the Board of Education.

IV. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to adopt the 2018 19 Elementary and Middle/High School Codes of Conduct as reviewed at the 5/22/2018 Board Meeting.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

V. The Memorandum of Understanding with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department for a School Resource Office was tabled for a future meeting.

VI. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by D. Giso, to approve the contract with Wildwood School for services provided during the 2018-19 school year. (see supplemental minutes)

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

VII. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to accept Biology teacher Kristen Mitidieri’s resignation effective 6/30/2018. (see supplemental minutes)

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

VIII. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to accept elementary teacher Margaret Howes’ resignation for retirement purposes effective June 30, 2018. (see supplemental minutes)

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

IX. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by W. Callanan, to approve English teacher Karen Prescott’s request for a leave of absence without pay from 7/1/2018-6/30/2019, according to the terms of the current STA contract. (see supplemental minutes)

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

X. V. Masterson asked that the appointment of Renee Price as Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent and District Clerk be tabled for discussion in executive session.

XI. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by B. Callanan, to have an additional Board of Education meeting on 6/26/2018 at 6:00 p.m. to tend to a few matters prior to the end of the fiscal year.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XII. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to approve the extracurricular Schedule B appointments as presented. (see supplemental minutes)

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XIII. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to approve the list of appointments for the Extended School Year Program as presented. (see supplemental minutes)

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XIV. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to accept Phys Ed/Health teacher Karen Nevins’ resignation for retirement effective June 30, 2018. (see supplemental minutes)

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XV. Discussion of the NYSLRS option for eligible district employees was tabled for discussion in executive session per V. Masterson’s request.

XVI. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by K. Greene, to approve the Access Therapy Contract for services provided during the Extended School Year Program. (see supplemental minutes)

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XVII. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by W. Callanan, to accept John MacDonald’s resignation for retirement effective 6/23/2018. (see supplemental minutes)

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XVIII. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to authorize Mary Sgambati to assist in the Superintendent’s Office  on an as needed basis for a maximum of 10 hours/week at her current hourly rate of $32.13/hour.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XIV. V. Masterson inquired about the Vision Statement, which will be on a future agenda.

XV. There was no public input.

XVI. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to adjourn to executive session to discuss negotiations, the superintendent’s evaluation, and tabled agenda items at 6:55 p.m.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XVII. On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to reconvene the meeting at 8:37 p.m.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XVIII. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by D. Giso, to appoint Renee Price as the Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent effective 6/23/2018 at a salary of $46,000 (prorated through 6/30/2018), and $46,000 for the 2018-19 school year.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XIX. On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by D. Giso, to appoint Renee Price as District Clerk effective 6/23/2018 – 6/30/2018, at a stipend of $7,361 (prorated).

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XX. On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to adopt the following resolution:

• BE IT RESOLVED: that the Board of Education of the Stillwater Central School District does hereby elect to provide the pension benefit of Section 41(j) of the Retirement and Social Security Law, as presently or hereafter amended.
• BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the effective date of such shall be the 13th day of June, 2018.
  • Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
  • Nays: 0

XXI. On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by K. Greene, to extend Superintendent Patricia Morris’ contract through June 30, 2023.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XXII. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to approve a 3% raise for Mrs. Morris after deliberations on amount.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XXIII. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by D. Giso, to add language to Mrs. Morris’ contract stating if she exceeds $5,000 maximum continuing education stipend, the Board of Education will consider stipend extension monies on an annual basis through the contract date.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XXIV. On a motion by B. McNeil, seconded by K. Greene, to accept Health Insurance language stating that Mrs. Morris will enroll in the District base plan, ALT PPO.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0

XXV. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

• Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
• Nays: 0