Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

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

Absent: 

Also Present: Superintendent P. Morris, Clerk R. Price, Business Administrator S. Messineo and staff

President T. 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.

I. There was no public input on non-agenda items.

II. Superintendent P. Morris acknowledged the Board of Education as we approach School Board Recognition Week. She noted their dedication and commitment of the important role they have as Board Members and to Stillwater Central School District students and families.

III. Superintendent P. Morris introduced our Special Guests – A student represented each grade level K-12 and introduced themselves with a narrative perception of what “being a warrior means to them.” All of the students did a wonderful introductory; Board President T. Hems thanked them for their time and attending as our special guests.

IV. As per policy # 3111, an Academic Performance Report was presented by  High School Principal Dr. Michael Johnson, Middle School Principal Timothy Hulihan, and Interim Elementary Principal Ray Colucciello. The administration team disclosed to the public the recent history of performance, the current comparison to State and county schools and our plans for the future. Listed  below are the goals that were discussed:

• Increase graduation rates and reduce dropout rates by targeting students who are at risk ie: failing grades, and students with poor attendance rates.
• Increase the percentage of students earning mastery level on high school state assessments and proficiency on 3-8 NYS assessments
• Increase the number of elective opportunities for students
• Track extracurricular involvement
• Update instruction to align with best practices including data-driven Instruction, interim assessments, and interventions
• Increase opportunities for community involvement with the District
• Increase Community and Partnerships/Relationships

V. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to approve the consent agenda  consisting of minutes from 10/2/18, CSE/CPSE recommendations, and warrants.  (see supplemental minutes)

• Minutes of the 10/2/18 BOE Meeting (see supplemental minutes).
• CSE/CPSE Recommendations (see supplemental minutes).
• Warrants

Ayes: 9 Motion Carried
Nays: 0

VI. Superintendent P. Morris followed up with the discussion in regards to the  baseball field and how we can bring this field back to our campus and the obstacles  we have in doing so. The Board received information regarding the history of the baseball field from Jim Miller (site consultant). Mr. Miller’s recommendation was  to reach out to Jim Girard in Queensbury to request a site visit to review the field and get his recommendations. Jim Girard is highly reputable and works with school  districts to assist them with management of sports fields. Mrs. Morris also indicated a survey of the property should be done to look at the property lines. Coach Marcus Harder discussed that he would like the Board consider a potential option to have the baseball field on campus and offered to map out the field with measurements.

VII. Superintendent P. Morris and Board members reviewed upcoming dates and goals for each of the following Committees to meet in the Middle School Conference Room:

• Policy Committee – Tuesday, October 23 @ 7 p.m.
• Facilities Committee – Tuesday, October 30 @ 6 p.m.
• Superintendent’s Evaluation Committee – Tuesday, October 30 @ 7 p.m.
• Program Committee – Monday, November 5 @ 6 p.m.
• Goals Committee – Tuesday, November 6 @ 5 p.m.
• Dates and Times to be determined for Audit and Finance Committee Meetings

VIII. Business Manager Scott Messineo reported the Treasurers Reports are balanced. He also reported that 93% of the tax levy was collected to date and in a few weeks we will be closing out the tax season with affiliated counties in our district.

IX. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by D. Giso, to approve the following  donations: (see supplemental minutes)

• Donation of $200 made to the Elementary Backpack Program by Anthony and Susan DePaula at St. Isaac Joques Church
• Donation of $100 made to the Warrior Walk by the Class of 2022
• Donation of $560 made to local charities by the Middle School Friends of Rachel Club

Ayes: 9 Motion Carried
Nays: 0

X. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by P. Lilac, to appoint Timothy Hipwell as Substitute Bus Monitor at the CSEA contract amount of $11.50/hr. effective 10/17/18. (see supplemental minutes)

Ayes: 9 Motion Carried
Nays: 0

XI. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to appoint Rachelle Maynard  as Substitute Bus Monitor at the CSEA contract amount of $11.50/hr. effective 10/17/18. (see supplemental minutes)

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XII. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by W. Callanan, to appoint Sara Ford as a Substitute Bus Driver at the CSEA contract amount of $17.50/hr. effective 10/17/18. (see supplemental minutes)

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XIII. On a motion by P. Lilac, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to appoint Matt Campion as JV Boys Basketball Coach for the 2018-19 winter sports season entry level at a stipend of $2,862.

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XIV. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by B. McNeil, to appoint Katie McBride as Co-Advisor of the Varsity Club for the 2018-19 school year at a stipend of $687  (Half of the $1,374 stipend for this club)

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XV. On a motion by P. Lilac, seconded by V. Masterson, to appoint Walter West as  Co-Advisor of the Varsity Club for the 2018-19 school year at a stipend of $687  (Half of the $1,374 stipend for this club)

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XVI. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to appoint Milagros Sheldon as a twelve month cleaner effective 10/17/18 at a starting salary of $27,355.33 per the  current CSEA contract. (see supplemental minutes).

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XVII. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to appoint Michael Cavanaugh as  Treasurer effective 10/17/18 at a starting salary of $45,000. (see supplemental minutes)

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XVIII. V. President V. Masterson inquired of how many applicants applied for the Treasurer position. Business Manager S. Messineo replied that there were thirteen applicants and Michael was the chosen candidate by all members of the interviewing committee.

XIX. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by D. Giso, to accept the retirement of Lynne Lucia effective 11/23/18. (see supplemental minutes)

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XX. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by W. Callanan, to approve to rescind the  appointment of Matt Moore as JV Basketball Coach for the 2018 19 winter sports season. (see supplemental minutes)

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXI. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by J. Mueller, to approve an expense increase for the district sign to $36,500 to allow for the preferred CIRRUS product. The quote details the new sign design to fit into the existing structure and provide high quality resolution for displaying the needs of the district. (see supplemental minutes)

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXII. V. President V. Masterson asked why there is a difference in quotes from the initial  amount discussed. Superintendent P. Morris replied that the initial amount that was  discussed was a ballpark figure given by one company. When the companies came and displayed the units via a mobile unit, it was found that the chosen company, CIRRUS, had a better quality sign made up of panels. This company is also  local and lead times for the sign were within reason to meet our needs.

XXIII. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by D. Giso, to approve a lacrosse coaching position for the 2018-19 school year at a modified first year entry level rate of $1,549. This would align with other spring sport stipends. (see supplemental minutes)

Varsity

Entry first year: $2,820
Level 1 (years 2-5): $3,185
Level 2 (years 6-14): $3,567
Level 3 (years 15+): $4,157

Junior Varsity

Entry first year: $1,878
Level 1 (years 2-5): $2,121
Level 2 (years 6-14): $2,369
Level 3 (years 15+): $2,767

Modified

Entry first year: $1,549
Level 1 (years 2-5): $1,751
Level 2 (years 6-14): $1,959
Level 3 (years 15+): $2,288

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXIV. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by W. Callanan, to approve the Wrestling stipend to reflect the Varsity level sport stipend for the 2018-19 school year to $4,318. This will align the stipend to the winter sport varsity level.  (see supplemental)

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXV. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by P. Lilac, to approve the revised Unified  Sports stipend to align with modified sports coaching stipend for the 2018-19 school year. (see supplemental minutes)

Entry (first year): $1,549
Level 1 (years 2-5): $1,751
Level 2 (years 6-14): $1,959
Level 3 (years 15+): $2,288

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXVI. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by V. Masterson, to approve the revision to modified winter sports stipends to align with other modified level sports stipends for the 2018-19 school year.

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXVII. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by B. McNeil, to approve an additional Schedule B section of Academic Study Hall for the 2018-19 school year at a stipend of $2,181.

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXVIII. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by S. Valigorsky, to approve Suzanne Staulters, Laura Barber, Kelli Grab, Savana Lanzone and Karen Salvadore as Mentors for the  2018-19 school year at a stipend of $1,000 each.

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXIX. V. President V. Masterson inquired if we receive a Mentoring Grant;  Superintendent P. Morris responded that we do. K. Salvadore and P. Morris co wrote the grant; the District was awarded a five year grant of $162,000. The Board commended on a task well done.

XXX. On a motion by V. Masterson, seconded by P. Lilac, to approve Karen Salvadore as Mentor Coordinator and Grant Coordinator for the 2018-19 school year at a stipend of $3,000 ($1,000 for Mentor Coordinator and $2,000 for Grant Coordinator).

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXXI. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by D. Giso, to approve Ski Club as a Schedule  B Extra Curricular Club for the 2018-19 school year at a stipend of $500. Currently the Club is on a volunteer basis.

Ayes: 9
Nays: 0

XXXII. Board Communications were handouts to Board members for the Saratoga County School Boards Association Dinner/Presentation to be held on 11/5/18. An additional  board communication was a Stillwater High School Guidance and Counseling Survey that was also a handout to the Board to indicate high school students will take part in,  and will later be presented with the results.

XXXIII. Board Member S. Valigorsky, noted on Board Items of Interest that there is a large  amount of bees around the fence/bleacher area of the turf field. P. Morris reassured the Board that this has been addressed and a course of action has taken place.

XXXIV. Board Member B. McNeil, noted a Board Item of Interest to ask the Board if we could  consider compensating Stefano Gazzelli for his time, commitment and devotion of  announcing at district sporting events.

XXXV. Superintendent P. Morris noted that all Board members were given a jar of sauce from John Tumino of “In my Father’s Kitchen” a guest speaker we had on Superintendent’s Day that came to speak to all staff on his mission to help the homeless and his work with building relationships. John Tumino will return back to our district to speak to our Middle School and High School students on November 20, 2018. She also thanked Utica National Insurance Company for the donation to our School to pay for the proceeds of the sauce to provide to Staff and Board members.

XXXVI. There was no public input on agenda items.

XXXVII. On a motion by S. Valigorsky, seconded by W. Callanan, to adjourn to executive session  to discuss a confidential personnel issue at 7:40 p.m.

Ayes: 9 Motion Carried
Nays: 0

**S. Valigorsky was not present for executive session.

XXXVIII.On a motion by P. Lilac, seconded by B. McNeil, to reconvene the meeting at 7:42 p.m.

Ayes: 8 Motion Carried
Nays: 0

XXXIX. On a motion by W. Callanan, seconded by P. Lilac, to approve the Term Agreement for Michael Cavanaugh as Treasurer effective 10/17/18 at a starting salary of $45,000 for  the 2018-19 school year.

XL. On a motion by J. Mueller, seconded by V. Masterson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

Ayes: 8 Motion Carried
Nays: 0