WEBSTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Webster, New York BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING December 6, 2022 Members Present: Members Absent: Administrators Present: Others:
J. Richardson, L. Dioguardi, M. Alt stepped out from 7:29 p.m. until 7:31 p.m., C. Barnabas, J. Birdsong-Ng, S. LaDelfa, C. Roods B. Neenan, B. Freeman, D. Swinson, H. Balsamo, J. Baehr, S. Strege Sidney C., Audrey C., Hannah R., Lauryn W., J. Bardanis, M. Brincka, R. Ruller, M. Petz, C. Odle, M. Brown, R. Warner
The December 6, 2022 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President J. Richardson at 6:00 p.m. at Webster Central School District, 119 South Avenue, Webster, NY in the 2nd floor Professional Development Center. There was a quorum. M. Alt motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to call the meeting to order. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was reviewed and the capital project resolution topic was amended to capital project update. L. Dioguardi motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve the amended agenda. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. Student Liaison Reports Sidney C. gave an update on Schroeder’s activities including Dream club participation in the ROC2CHANGE summit, thanks were extended to Link crew who held a scavenger hunt for 9th grade students, and students took first place in a cyber security competition. Audrey C. gave an update on fall and winter sports success, extended congratulations to senior athletes, the annual Sources of Strength meeting included various mental health discussions and activities, various clubs collected donations for the Willow Domestic Center. Hanna R. gave an update on Thomas’ activities including the library skylight café’s grand opening, holiday spirit week activities, the Board was thanked for their visit, the sustainable garden project, Veteran’s day cards were distributed by Titan scholars, and the jingle and mingle at Kittelberger’s to raise funds for the trip to the Dominican Republic. Lauryn W. extended congratulations to Titan musicians selected for the All State music festival, the talented drama club’s production of “Clue”, a new chapter of the National Art Honor Society, and congratulations were extended to sports teams and their success. WTA Liaison Report Joan Bardanis reported on the appreciation for the chair of the WTA safety committee, the many retired WTA members who are currently teaching, the style, grace and true professionalism of Schroeder’s librarian, Schroeder’s newspaper club and journalism class launched a digital newspaper and are collaborating with Webster Thomas, gratefulness for the strong PTSA partnership, WTA/PTSA Oak Tree nominations are open and Community Arts Day plans are in the works. Polar Plunge is upcoming, WTA scholarships will be awarded to children of WTA members or students wo are looking into going into teaching. Appreciation for the email sent before Thanksgiving from all bargaining unit presidents stating that the holidays are difficult for some, when help is needed, help is available. Superintendent’s Report Campus News Superintendent Neenan reported that our district is offering a free English as a Second language class, partnering with Rochester City School District’s Office of Adult and Career Education Services. The class is offered to any adult interested in learning English as a Second Language. The class will be taught by a Ukrainian speaker and our hope is that it will help support the growing number of Ukrainian families in Webster. An invitation was extended to district families to attend our Family Engagement Panel Discussion on Restorative Practices on Wednesday, December 14, 6:30 p.m. in the second floor PDC of Spry Middle School. Panelists will include Dr. Robert Chalwell, Webster CSD Director of Family Engagement & Inclusivity, a Webster CSD parent and student, and Katie DiSalvo, a licensed mental health counselor from Delphi Rise. A reminder was shared for families with children who are infants up to five years old to complete a brief young child census.
Campus News UPK Administrator Heather Balsamo gave the Elementary campus news update for Mr. Schichtel. World Kindness Day was celebrated at DeWitt and included decorated bookmarks, posters, painted kindness rocks, etc. Elementary students received and heard a consistent message. CARE leaders collected food donations for DeWitt families in need and also donated to Hope Ministries. At Plank South 875 boxes of cereal were donated to food pantries. A STEM domino activity was held with the cereal boxes. Many schools including Plank North participated in the School 17 gift exchange, Share the Season food donation, and Share the Spirit. Klem North holds Holiday Helping Hands with crafts for donation, new assistant principals were welcomed at Schlegel and DeWitt. Spry Middle School Principal Jim Baehr gave the Secondary campus news update and complimented students on their growth and smooth transition. Spry had a great board of education visit including student speakers. GOALSgiving was a success, where staff contributed to a full Thanksgiving dinner. OWL middle school students ate a Thanksgiving meal and participated in an event where they engaged in community building and sharing gratitude. Willink had a great turn out for their 8th grade semi-formal, PE classes celebrated the US goal in the World Cup. Spry held a successful Veteran’s day dinner and sponsors were thanked. World Kindness Day was celebrated and thanks were extended for the coffee cart visit. Nurse Coordinator Michelle Brincka gave the Nursing campus news update. She has enjoyed traveling between the health offices. Everyone is thrilled to return to a sense of normalcy, develop relationships and care for students. Michelle expressed pride in that the One Webster health team has been expanded and is a safe district when it comes to medical care. Two Registered nurses have been added, one at each of the high schools and a Licensed Practical Nurse has been added to the middle schools. Two travel nurses were added to provide support to 11 public school and four private schools. Jillian Sweeney received the Golden Apple award, Plank South participated in a surprise Department of Health immunization audit and passed with flying colors due to their organizational skills and knowledge of complex laws pertaining to immunization. Superintendent’s Report (Cont’d) An emergency preparedness early release drill will take place on Friday, December 23. Buses will depart earlier than they typically do, the school newsletter will have the exact timing. The community vote on the proposed capital improvement project is on Tuesday, December 13. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Webster Schroeder High School gym. Our district had the opportunity to march with our One Webster/PTSA float, One Webster Marching Band, and our transportation department during the annual parade of lights throughout the village. Heath and Physical Education Report Presenters: Shawn Strege, Rob Ruller, Matt Petz, Chris Odle, Mindy Brown and Rachael Warner The Physical Education team consists of 14 high school teachers,10 middle school teachers, 16 elementary teachers, 2 APE teachers and 5 lead teachers. The curriculum and ideas implemented throughout the year were shared. Traditional sports are taught and new activities have been incorporated including disc golf, archery, etc. The goal is to have kids experience different things and provide options so that they will enjoy activity. Instruction includes the standards and for students to be physically active for life. A benefit from the PLCs as they collaborate together builds richer and deeper units. High school students utilize a variety of locations in Webster which provide different learning opportunities. They are thankful for our amazing facilities and partnerships. Students are amazing and actively participate in these opportunities. Some of the more popular special events include the 4 th grade Fun Run, 6th grade Pumpkin Run, March Madness, Special Olympics, etc., all while utilizing different Webster locations, etc. The Health team includes 4 middle school, 3 high school and one lead teacher. The Health curriculum is a skills-based program that integrates functional knowledge for critical thinking of what it means to be healthy, physically, socially, and emotionally, with age appropriate topics. The functional knowledge helps build upon why the skill is so important. Students learn where they can get valuable and correct info as well as understanding the importance of the lifelong skill. They are also thankful for the many partnerships available and the invaluable connections made. The importance of healthy habits, wellness and presenting your best self is taught. Thanks were extended to Mr. LaMonica, speakers, administrative assistants, administration, PE and Health teachers, B&G staff and custodians, and the Board. C. Roods motioned, M. Alt seconded to approve the Health and Physical Education Instruction report. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. September and October 2022 Treasurer’s Reports Assistant Superintendent Freeman highlighted key items on the September and October 2022 Treasurer’s Reports. S. LaDelfa motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve the September and October 2022 Treasurer’s Reports. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0.
Electrical Contract Takeover Mr. Freeman explained that the district will cancel the contract with Mylerson Electric, Inc., for failure to perform, and the district will take over the remaining work for the elementary school projects. The district was notified by Mylerson’s Surety Bond holder, Nationwide, that all payments should be forwarded to them rather than Mylerson. The remaining balance on the contract for Mylerson is $193,111.87. The district has verified the claim with Nationwide and verified that Mylerson is no longer capable of performing the remaining work. The district is in the process of obtaining quotes. Tax Exemption Overview Mr. Freeman gave an update on the bill that gives an option for local taxing jurisdictions to adjust their income scales for Limited Income Senior (RPTL 467) and Disabled with Limited Income (RPTL 459-c) exemption. It is difficult to project the impact as it is based on year to year income filings. Residents may not qualify for the exemption every year. Capital Project Overview Mr. Freeman referenced the presentation that he and Superintendent Neenan have presented to staff over the last few weeks. Due to feedback received from the public after receiving their newsletter, there were several questions about the OWL program. Our website has been updated to include more details as to what the OWL program is. 2023-2024 Budget Kickoff Presentation Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the outlook for the 2023-2024 budget including state updates, state aid predictions, pensions, benefits, foundation aid, revenues, and expenditures. There will be an update on the formula in January. ThoughtExchange will be utilized again this year for gathering input. First Reading of Personnel Policies (Section 6000) President Richardson explained the process of reviewing policies by section prior to Erie One BOCES editing. The Human Resources policies were discussed during the November 29 workshop. All of the work is based on reviewing the policy manual only. C. Roods motioned, C. Barnabas seconded to approve the first reading of personnel policies section 6000 before sending to Erie One BOCES for the next round of editing. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. School Liaison Reports Mike Alt reported that DeWitt is doing an excellent job fundraising and Plank North held a dance-a-thon fundraiser. Their goal was exceeded and Mr. Bodensteiner dyed his hair. Carole Barnabas reported that discussion took place at Willink’s PTSA about the capital project and she extended thanks to Mr. Freeman for presenting. Monroe County School Boards Association Reports Legislative Committee: Two virtual sessions were held on Monday. Many legislators’ aides attended and were unable to answer all of the questions. Linda will share a report. The Legislative breakfast will take place in February. Labor Relations: The topic included pros and cons of electric buses. Info Exchange: The presentation was by the Regional Equity Network, and how boards can support their district’s DEI efforts. Standing District Committees: Audit Committee: There will be a meeting in January. Policy Committee: As discussed tonight, etc. The same process will be used for the next section review. Strategic Planning Committee: Meets next Thursday. School Community Committees: WHEN held candy bar bingo at State Road and over 115 people attended. The student volunteers made the program worthwhile. WHEN meets next Wednesday and naloxone training continues. Consent Agenda L. Dioguardi motioned, M. Alt seconded to approve the consent agenda as recommended by the Superintendent including: Minutes November 8, 2022 Regular Business Meeting and November 29, 2922 Workshop meeting, Personnel actions including: Certified Probationary, Certified Regular Substitute, Certified Part Time, Certified Temporary, Classified Appointments, Adjustments, Additional Assignments, Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Resignations-Appointed to New Position, Tenure Appointments, Recommendations of the CSE Committee Meetings 2022-2023 Meeting, Recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education Meetings, CSE Appointments, Cooperative Bid: Food Service Equipment, Repair and Maintenance, Lunch Paper and Plastic Supplies, HVAC Repair and Maintenance Service, French Class trip to Quebec. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0.
There were no registered speakers this evening. President Richardson announced reminders for the Capital project vote on Tuesday and to view the newsletter and website that is continually being updated. There is a board workshop on January 3 for long range financial planning, a board retreat on January 10 and a reminder for board members to complete the board self-evaluation. The next Regular business meeting is on January 17 and the topic is Food Service and a greenhouse visit will be arranged. Wishes for a nice holiday season were extended. ADJOURNMENT C. Barnabas motioned, S. LaDelfa seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. 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.