WEBSTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Webster, New York BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Members Present: Absent: Administrators Present: Others Present:
J. Richardson, L. Dioguardi, M. Alt, C. Barnabas, J. Birdsong-Ng, S. LaDelfa, C. Roods B. Neenan, B. Freeman, E. Land, D. Swinson, R. Chalwell, F. Leggett, M. End, R. Saiff, J. Pustulka, M. Balfour Audrey C., Sidney C., Lauryn W., J. Bardanis, R. Reagan, K. Palmer, A. Peters
The February 14, 2023 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President J. Richardson at 5:01 p.m. at District Office in the 2nd Floor Professional Development Center, 119 South Avenue, Webster, NY. There was a quorum. S. LaDelfa motioned, C. Roods seconded to call the meeting to order. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. L. Dioguardi motioned, M. Alt seconded to accept the agenda as stated. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Liaison Reports: Audrey C., Webster Schroeder student liaison, reported on the Science Olympiad team competition success, the student council and NHS held their crush and rose sale in honor of Valentine’s day, students will celebrate black history month with displays in the new library, and March is youth art month, etc. Sidney C., Webster Schroeder student liaison, reported on the Mathlete final competition success, successful sports team seasons, congratulations to Mr. Peck who is presenting at a social studies conference, congratulations to Schroeder’s cast and crew members of Mama Mia, etc. Lauryn W., Webster Thomas student liaison, reported that students are encouraged to join clubs. She reviewed when clubs meet and some of the activities they participate in such as the Care club painted and delivered “you rock” rocks to staff, made posters for red ribbon week, student council is looking for homecoming ideas next year, caps and gowns are being ordered through Jostens online, there is an upcoming senior parent meeting regarding the Camp Cory trip, etc. Joan Bardanis, WTA liaison, reported on the 100 days of school celebrations, the 101 Dalmatian celebration and dress up, reading of the Color of Us and a hand project to be included in a mural, a 3rd grade field trip to Northern Hemisphere gymnastics, participation in a winter theme song to Snow Dude, a Grace and Grins puppet show, flower dissection in middle school, assisting senior students to reach the finish line, flannel day, Oak tree nominations are in, plans for PTSA’s luminary walk, over $6,700 has been donated on behalf of WTA Cares, and a letter was shared from the Turkish Society of Rochester in thanks for supplies collected by Willink. Superintendent’s Report and Campus News Superintendent Neenan wished a happy Valentine’s Day to our One Webster community and extended an invitation to parents and guardians to attend our Family Engagement Conversation tomorrow night from 6:308:00 p.m. at the professional development center on the second floor of Spry Middle School. The event will be live-streamed and on the district website. Martha End, Principal of Klem South, gave an elementary update including participation in Tier 2 training through Midwest, on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and what the layered support looks like in our schools. An example of a check in and check out document when supporting students was shown and how some of the elementary buildings implement the practice. Data is used to determine who needs support including student survey data. The 100th day of school was celebrated at elementary schools.
Rebecca Saiff, Director of GOAL, gave a secondary update including Willink’s Glow Night dance, OWL middle school students are working through their academic goals and planned and ran a cocoa bar. Thomas OWL students are also making progress towards their goals including giving kids voice and choice in their electives. A popular elective is page to screen, looking at books and the translation into movies. They took a field trip to iSMASH. A semi-formal was held for Spry 8th graders. The Spry charity basketball game is on March 3 at 6:00 p.m. Schroeder’s Mama Mia was a success, GOAL10th graders visited EMCC, etc. Joe Pustulka, Director of Operations and Renee Reagan, Assistant Director of Transportation gave an update on the transportation facility construction and the drastic improvements made. Traffic flow has improved and is safe. They are in the final stages of their punch list. Kudos were extended to mechanics who work hard to keep buses running all while construction is taking place. The new communication system with Monroe County is working well and there is no dead space. Thanks to our drivers for all they do when there is a challenge. Routing for 2023-24 starts next week. Superintendent’s Report (Cont’d.) Mr. Neenan reminded everyone that next week is February break beginning on Presidents’ Day. Food Service Report Presenters: M. Balfour, K. Palmer, A. Peters Mark Balfour complimented the Food Service staff and broke down all of the many things they participate in including off site catering, concessions, breakfasts and snacks for WonderCare, our aquaponic greenhouse model, SUMMA/senior breakfast, etc. More staff is involved in menu planning. The website has been revamped to align with the district. Assistant Directors Kathy Palmer and Alyssa Peters split schools for efficiency purposes and they shared their duties. There are several new menu items at elementary and secondary schools. The presentation included a demonstration of where menus can be found on the Food Service website, allergen and nutritional info is also listed. Participation statistics were reviewed as well as free and reduced data. They are still experiencing supply chain disruptions. Mark thanked his staff for working so hard to take care of everyone. M. Alt motioned, C. Barnabas seconded to accept the Food Service report as presented. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. BOARD BUSINESS Treasurer's Reports November and December 2022 Assistant Superintendent Freeman highlighted key items on the November and December 2022 Treasurer’s Reports, including investments, rate increases and looking for best rates. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to approve November, and December 2022 Treasurer’s Reports. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. ThoughtExchange Budget Review Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the results of the ThoughtExchange survey regarding the budget. The question asked was: “What are the most important things to consider as we begin to plan for our upcoming budget? The top three themes are: Curriculum and Program, Facilities, and Funding and Budget. The summary is on our website on the budget page. Mr. Freeman extended thanks to Joe Montemaro for his assistance with ThoughtExchange. Tax Cap Draft and Governor’s Proposal Mr. Freeman reviewed the formula and the major points of calculation including tax base growth factor, PILOTS, Consumer Price Index, Pension exclusions, and capital exclusions. He compared growth factors with other Monroe County districts. He detailed the 2023-24 Property Tax levy formula, capital exclusions calculations, (debt). The executive budget proposes a 13% increase in aid. We are in the final phase-in this year to fully fund the foundation aid formula. It fully funds all formula aids, BOCES, transportation and building aid. There is additional funding available for UPK seats. Other miscellaneous items include an annual submission on our progress of the implementation of zero-emission buses. The tax cap draft must be submitted by March 1. Quarterly Update on 2018 Capital Project Mr. Freeman stated that the 2018 Capital Project is nearing completion.
Bus Purchase Proposition Resolution Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the bus purchase proposition to purchase and finance replacement student transport vehicles for a total sum not to exceed $1,600,000. BE IT RESOLVED The District hereby determines that the acquisition of the Vehicles constitutes a Type II Action pursuant to Parts 617.5(c)(10) and 617.5(c)(31) of the Regulations and as such is not subject to review under SEQRA. The proposition hereinafter set forth is hereby authorized to be submitted for the approval of the qualified voters at the annual school district election to be held in said District on May 16, 2023. The District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to include as a part of the notice of the annual district meeting and election notice the proposition in substantially the following form: NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that at said annual election to be held on May 16, 2023, the following proposition will be submitted: TRANSPORTATION PROPOSITION Shall the Board of Education of the Webster Central School District be authorized to purchase and finance student transport vehicles, including necessary furnishings, fixtures and equipment and all other costs incidental thereto, and expend a total sum not to exceed $1,600,000, which is estimated to be the total maximum cost thereof, and said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District, in the principal amount not to exceed $1,600,000, shall be issued. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, C. Barnabas seconded to accept the Transportation Purchase Proposition Resolution. A roll call vote was taken and all board members voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Intermunicipal Agreement with Penfield Central School District Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the Intermunicipal agreement with Penfield Central School District to establish shelter site locations and terms of use in the event of an evacuation of the students and staff of the Penfield Central School District. S. LaDelfa motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve the Intermunicipal Agreement with Penfield Central School District. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. First Reading of Draft 2023-2024 School Calendar Superintendent Neenan reviewed key dates on the draft 2023-2024 school calendar. C. Barnabas motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve the first reading of the calendar and move it forward for a second reading at the next Regular Business meeting. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. BOARD MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS S. LaDelfa: Klem North held a well-attended book fair and the Information Exchange topic was E-sports. Linda Dioguardi: Community Arts Day is on 4/15 and PTSA is looking for committee members. Mike Alt: Plank North and DeWitt PTSAs need parent volunteers for their executive positions. Carole Barnabas: PTSA volunteers are needed at Willink and Thomas. She commented on participating in the learning walks and her pride and excitement of all that is going on in our schools. Janice Richardson: Executive Committee meets tomorrow. Jennifer, Brian and Janice attended the Legislative breakfast. Consent Agenda: S. LaDelfa motioned, M. Alt seconded to approve the Consent agenda items as recommended by the Superintendent including: Minutes: January 17, 2023 Regular Business Meeting and February 7, 2023 Workshop, Personnel Actions including: Certified Regular Substitute, Classified Appointments, Adjustments, Additional Assignments, Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Tenure, Recommendations of the Committee on Special Education Meetings, Recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education meetings. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. President Richardson stated that the next meeting is a workshop on March 7 to review policies and the next regular business meeting is on March 14. ADJOURNMENT J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, C. Roods seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia Cushman Cynthia Cushman District Clerk All documents that are duly made a part of these minutes are kept in a supplemental file that corresponds to the date of this meeting.