Stillwater Central School District

Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

November 28, 2017 – Stillwater, New York

Present: T. Hems, V. Masterson (arrived 6:16 p.m.), W. Callanan, D. Giso, K. Greene, M. Toleman, S. Valigorsky (arrived 6:26 p.m.)

Absent: B. McNeil, J. Mueller

Also Present: Superintendent P. Morris, Clerk M. Sgambati, Business Manager M. Methe, T. Gifford of the Express

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 on non-agenda items.

1. Consent Agenda
   1. On a motion by D. Giso, seconded by M. Toleman, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:
      1. The minutes of the 10/24/2017 regular meeting of the Board of Education (see supplemental minutes)
      2. General Warrant #12 in the amount of $179,887.90 (see supplemental minutes)
      3. General Warrant #13 in the amount of $125,878.68 (see supplemental minutes)
      4. Cafeteria Warrant #3 in the amount of $16,367.36 (see supplemental minutes)
      5. Cafeteria Warrant #4 in the amount of $310.12 (see supplemental minutes)
      6. Federal Warrant #4 in the amount of $7,500.00 (see supplemental minutes)
      7. Capital Warrant #3 in the amount of $3,854.21 (see supplemental minutes)
      8. The CSE/CPSE recommendations dated 11/15/2017 (see supplemental minutes)
      9. Approve the following Schedule B appointments:
         1. James Martin – JV Softball Coach
         2. Zachary Warriner – Boys’ 8th Grade Basketball Coach
            1. Ayes: 5 – Motion Carries
            2. Nays: 0
2. Superintendent’s Report
   1. Mrs. Morris updated the Board on the need for additional asbestos abatement that may be required with the upcoming capital project.
   2. The Board also briefly discussed hiring a transportation consultant to evaluate bus routes. Board members noted that this process has not been completed since 2009. The cost of the evaluation would be aided by BOCES. The Board will discuss this further at the next Board meeting.
3. (V. Masterson arrived at 6:16 p.m.)
4. Mr. Methe presented information concerning the Alternative Veterans’ Tax Exemption. (see supplemental minutes)
5. Alternative Veterans’ Tax Exemption
   1. Mr. Methe recommended that should the Board choose to adopt a veterans’ school tax exemption, that they choose the “Basic Decreased Option,” which specifies the following:
      1. Wartime Service
         1. Basic Maximum: $6,000
      2. Combat Zone
         1. Basic Maximum: $4,000
      3. Disability
         1. Basic Maximum: $20,000
   2. Board members noted that these amounts are reductions in assessment, and are cumulative.
   3. There will be a public hearing prior to the next Board meeting, and the Board will make its decision at the meeting to follow.  (The town assessors must be notified by 12/31/2017 if an exemption is Board approved.)
6. Budget Development Calendar 2018-19
   1. On a motion by D. Giso, seconded by K. Greene, to adopt the budget development calendar for the 2018-19 budget year. (see supplemental minutes)
      1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
7. Contract Approval – Intertek PSI
   1. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by M. Toleman, to approve the proposal from Intertek PSI for additional asbestos testing and surveying services at the middle/high and elementary schools, and the bus garage, as defined in the contract proposal. (see supplemental minutes)
      1. Ayes: 6 – Motion Carried
      2. Nays: 0
8. There were no communications.
9. Board Items of Interes
   1. President Hems congratulated the girls’ varsity soccer team and the Battle football team for their successful season.
   2. Mrs. Morris updated the Board on fund raising online on behalf of the school district. A policy proposal will be brought to the Board at its next meeting.
   3. Mrs. Morris notified the Board that the district’s Smart School Investment Plan had been approved in the amount of $862,000.
10. (S. Valigorsky arrived at 6:26 p.m.)
11. Public Input
    1. Ms. Gifford requested additional clarification concerning the Alternative Veterans Exemption.
12. Executive Session
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by W. Callanan, to adjourn to executive session at 6:38 p.m. to discuss personnel and negotiations.
       1. Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
13. Reconvene
    1. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by D. Giso, to reconvene the meeting at 7:28 p.m.
       1. Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0
14. Adjournment
    1. On a motion by M. Toleman, seconded by V. Masterson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m.
       1. Ayes: 7 – Motion Carried
       2. Nays: 0

Minutes by Mary Sgambati, District Clerk