WEBSTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Webster, New York BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING October 11, 2022 Members Present: J. Richardson, L. Dioguardi, M. Alt, C. Barnabas, J. Birdsong-Ng, S. LaDelfa, C. Roods Members Absent: Administrators Present: B. Neenan, B. Freeman, E. Land, D. Swinson, L. Ballou, P. Benz, N. Flood, F. Leggett, T. McCarthy Others Present: Audrey C., Sidney C., Hannah R., Lauryn W., D. Herrle, K. Ambrosetti, A. Peck, M. China, P. China, D. Ruiz, L. Hameister
The October 11, 2022 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President J. Richardson at 5:31 p.m. at District Office/Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue, Webster, NY in the second 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. L. Dioguardi motioned, C. Roods seconded to enter executive session for the purpose of discussing the employment history of a particular person. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0; Board members, Superintendent Neenan and Assistant Superintendent Swinson met in Superintendent Neenan’s Office. The October 11, 2022 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President J. Richardson at 6:03 p.m. in the second floor Professional Development Center. There was a quorum. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. M. Alt motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to move out of Executive Session and into the Public meeting. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, C. Roods seconded to accept the meeting agenda. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. Student Liaison Reports Sidney C. and Audrey C. gave an update on Webster Schroeder activities including homecoming week daily themed events, a spectacular pep rally won by the seniors, their second annual bonfire, dance, fall sports, and the seniors winning the tug of war championship. Hannah R. and Lauryn W. gave an update on Webster Thomas activities including the rivalry football game with proceeds to Wilmot Cancer Center at Strong Memorial Hospital, an activity fair to encourage students’ involvement, hosting of guest speaker Max Stossel, this week’s spirit week activities, Can Jam, food donations, etc. WTA Liaison Report Joan Bardanis, WTA liaison reported that clubs and intramurals are in full bloom, people are volunteering, spending time after school, etc. German teacher Christine Brucker is holding “café and kuchen” where participants speak German to assist students in their biliteracy. TTT was held with over 80 educator-led sessions and over 50 boxes of food were donated and delivered. It is NYSUT’s 20th year participating in making strides against breast cancer with a walk on Sunday. The coat and concert drive is underway. Several retirees have been subbing, there are over 100 new WTA members, and WTA is working incredibly hard. Superintendent’s Report - Campus News Superintendent Neenan reported on the 36th Autumn Fanfare held last Saturday, showcasing ten bands, including Webster’s own award-winning marching band, The Pride of Webster. Thanks to all the student musicians and performers who spend endless hours rehearsing their shows. Mr. Neenan introduced Laura Ballou, principal of Klem North, and Paul Benz, principal of Webster Schroeder High School. Laura Ballou gave an elementary update including their theme, belonging. We are proud of our unique selves, the importance of students and staff feeling like they belong and are part of the school community. Klem North had a surprise visit from the Heritage Christian Center who donated school supplies. The board of education attended a Morning Meeting at Klem North and students are learning appropriate greetings and welcome techniques. They practice the importance of making eye contact and pronouncing names correctly. Change Maker Mondays is completely student run, students present about someone in their culture who has made a difference in their lives.
Paul Benz gave a secondary update including their themes together and spirited. Secondaries are working towards providing a similar experience for all WCSD students. Spry held a family night w/PTSA, home caring week, and apple day. All participated in the Max Stossel digital presentation, intramurals, clubs, hot dog day, etc. Willink students reflected on their personal digital experiences, how apps make them feel and the duration spent. GOAL students participated in a Seneca Park zoo trip and partnered with Rochester Regional Health and their Alzheimer unit. This week is Thomas’ homecoming week, a pep rally will be held on Friday. Homecoming week was held at Schroeder last week, with great spirit and participation. Mr. Neenan introduced Supervisor of District Safety, Security, and Emergency Planning, Neil Flood and School Resource Officers David Herrle and Kevin Ambrosetti to give the first Operational Campus News update. A OneWebster Minute video of what SROs bring to the district was shown. They are invaluable resources for the town, Police Department, and school district community, assisting students with problems inside and outside of school, mentoring, speaking on a multitude of topics in all levels of classrooms, sharing their element of safety and knowledge, and building relationships with kids. They are parents, community members and are viewed as people when not in their uniforms by students. Officers Herrle and Ambrosetti commented on not knowing what the kids would say and how humbling it was. They appreciate building positive relationships before emergencies arise. They are looking into forming an after school club. Superintendent Neenan extended thanks to our district’s board of education, true champions of education. The New York State School Boards Association will formally recognize school boards’ efforts to support success for all students from October 17-21. Board members spend countless volunteer hours throughout the year dedicated to the needs of our 8,000 students, their families, and our incredible staff members. Instruction Report – Social Studies Grades 6-12 Presenters: Terry McCarthy, Alex Peck The presentation opened with the New York State Social Studies foundational framework of what social studies is. There is purposeful integration of content and practices. What do we want students to do with what they know and engage in their world? Assessments have changed in Global and US History and require more thinking skills to provide short answer responses to questions and essays. The NYS Seal of Civic Readiness is a new voluntary offering for our students to demonstrate their civic participation from an academic and community activism perspective. WCSD is one of two districts in Monroe County to be chosen to pilot the project. Alex spoke about how it unfolded in his classroom where nine students completed the requirements for the seal. Projects were student driven, including topics such as women’s rights, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, autism, etc. It’s a yearlong process, students select a topic, research it, interview people, research and analyze public policy, and present it to the class. To receive the seal, they present to Dr. McCarthy, Mr. Peck, another social studies teacher and Principal Benz. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, C. Barnabas seconded to approve the Social Studies Grades 6-12 Instruction Report. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Treasurer’s Report July 2022 Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for July 2022. C. Roods motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to accept the July 2022 Treasurer’s Report as presented. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. The order of Board Business agenda items was modified and the Capital Project SEQRA Type 1 Resolution and Negative Declaration were moved to the second item and the Resolution for the Special School District Meeting was third. Capital Project SEQRA Type 1 Resolution and Negative Declaration Mr. Freeman reviewed the SEQRA Type I Action resolution and negative declaration. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board finds and concludes that the proposed action is a Type I within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.2(al); and it is further RESOLVED that the Board hereby declares itself lead agency with respect to the environmental review of the proposed project; and it is further RESOLVED, that upon consideration of the foregoing, the Board finds and concludes that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse impacts to the environment; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Board hereby issues a Negative Declaration with respect to the proposed action; and it is further RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes and directs the Superintendent or his designee to file this Negative Declaration with the appropriate parties and agencies. L. Dioguardi motioned, S. LaDelfa seconded to approve the SEQRA resolution and the negative declaration. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. A roll call vote was taken with all board members voting yes.
Resolution for the Special School District Meeting of the Qualified Voters of the Webster Central School District on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 and Proposition. Mr. Freeman reviewed the resolution for the capital project vote and respective proposition. BE IT RESOLVED, ON OCTOBER 11, 2022, BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE WEBSTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AS FOLLOWS: A Special Meeting of the qualified voters of the Webster Central School District will be held at the Webster Schroeder High School gymnasium located at 875 Ridge Road, Webster, New York, on December 13, 2022 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, for the purpose of voting on the proposition described in the Notice of Special District Meeting hereinafter set forth. The business to be acted upon at said Special District Meeting shall be as stated in the Notice thereof, and the District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to cause the Notice of said Special District Meeting to be published in the Webster Herald, a newspaper having a general circulation within the District, such publication to be made four (4) times in such newspaper within the seven (7) weeks next preceding such Special District Meeting, the first publication to be at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date of said Special District Meeting. Said Special District Meeting shall be called by giving the following notice thereof: PROPOSITION Shall the Board of Education undertake a project consisting of the reconstruction and renovation of, and the construction of improvements, additions and upgrades to various District buildings and facilities and the sites thereof, the purchase of original furnishings, equipment, machinery and apparatus required in connection with the purposes for which such buildings, facilities and sites are used, all to include site, access, parking, athletic field and playfield improvements, demolition, utility, mechanical, plumbing and electrical improvements as well as payment of professional fees and all other necessary costs incidental to such work (the “Project”) at a total maximum estimated cost of $115,000,000 and to pay for the Project by (i) spending $10,000,000 on deposit in the District’s existing Capital Reserve Fund approved by the voters on May 17, 2016 and (ii) by the levy of a tax which is hereby voted in the amount of $105,000,000, subject to available State aid or to any other revenues available for such purpose, which tax shall be levied and collected in annual installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education and in anticipation of the collection of such tax, bonds and notes of the District are hereby authorized to be issued at one time, or from time to time, in the principal amount not to exceed $105,000,000, and a tax is hereby voted to pay the principal and interest on said obligations when due? C. Roods motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve the resolution for the special school district meeting of the qualified voters of the Webster Central School District on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 and Proposition. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. A roll call vote was taken with all board members voting yes. Legal Notice for the Special School District Meeting of the Voters Mr. Freeman reviewed the Legal Notice for the Capital Project vote. M. Alt motioned, C. Barnabas seconded to approve the legal notice for the special school district meeting of the voters. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. Capital Project Video: “Improving Where We Learn” A video clip was shown of the proposed elements of the project and can be accessed from our website at: https://www.websterschools.org/capitalproject. Please view our website for additional information. Financial Audit Materials Assistant Superintendent Freeman gave an audit overview and reviewed respective documents for the 2021-2022 external audit completed by Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co., LLP. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to approve the financial statements. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. Corrective Action Plan Mr. Freeman reviewed the findings and corrective actions on the 2021-2022 audit report. C. Roods motioned, S. LaDelfa seconded to approve the corrective actions for the 2021-2022 External Audit. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. School Liaison Reports State Road meets next week. DeWitt meets tonight. Mark has the board report. Plank South meets tomorrow. Plank North held MTSS lessons regarding bus behavior.
OWL goal logos are being discussed and what a great start to the year it has been. Thomas meets virtually November 15. Willink is in a transition phase with their officers. PTSA membership is in full swing. A reminder to purchase your membership. Monroe County School Boards Association Reports Legislative Committee: Topics included re-looking at priorities, the teacher shortage, foundation aid, universal UPK, electric bus issues, adjusting the tax cap, etc. Labor Relations Committee: The discussion was on the pandemic supply chain and the impact of issues. Info Exchange: The topic was on mental health and the benefits of students feeling connected to their schools. Executive Committee: The topic was promoting ACT for Education, what they’re doing on a monthly basis, and the invaluable networking connections with other superintendents and board presidents. Standing District Committees Audit: As discussed tonight. Policy: A subcommittee will meet later this week. The policy manual will need to be approved as one complete manual, not section by section. The final approval process is to be determined after the second draft is received. Strategic Planning: The topics included efforts around DEI and our new director is putting together a strategic roadmap. They will meet with schools to see how well freshmen WCSD students were prepared for college and also with manufacturing companies regarding those working in skilled trades and their preparedness. School Community Committees WHEN: Red Ribbon week runs 10/23-31 and their focus is living a healthy lifestyle. There is a drug takeback event on 10/29, Naloxone training on 11/14, and they are meeting tomorrow. FIRE: They are looking into leadership changes due to engagement and the DEI director will work with them. Consent Agenda M. Alt motioned, C. Roods seconded to accept the consent agenda as recommended by the Superintendent including minutes: September 13, 2022 Regular Business Meeting, September 27, 2022 Workshop, Personnel Actions: Certified Tenured, Certified Probationary, Certified Regular Substitute, Classified Appointments, Adjustments, Additional Assignments, Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Retirements, Terminations, Tenure Appointments, Administrative Internship, Personnel Agreement, Recommendations of the Committee on Special Education Meetings 2022-2023; Recommendations of the Committee on Preschool Special Education meetings, Resolution to approve vote workers for the December 13, 2022 Capital Project vote. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. Visitor Speaking Time David Ruiz had several questions regarding the upcoming capital project including communication to residents, funding, impact on the tax cap, fund balance, reserves, employment contracts, etc. President Richardson gave an update on upcoming board meetings. The October 18 workshop is canceled, the next Regular business meeting is on November 8, 2022 with Science as the instruction report topic. ADJOURNMENT C. Barnabas motioned, C. Roods seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 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.