WEBSTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Webster, New York BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING September 13, 2022 Members Present: Members Absent: Administrators Present: Others:
J. Richardson, L. Dioguardi, M. Alt, C. Barnabas, J. Birdsong-Ng, S. LaDelfa, C. Roods B. Neenan, B. Freeman, C. Armstrong, E. Land, D. Swinson, M. Schichtel, L. Ballou, M. End, C. Bodensteiner, J. Doyle, F. Leggett, B. Powers, G. Ahlquist Lauryn W., Sidney C., Hanna R., J. Bardanis, Fitzgerald Family, Mazzochetti Family, K. McCormack, Roode Family, Wm. Roode Family, Stronach Family, Montano Family, Bradford Family, Cabili Family, D. Young, L. Levine, M. China, L. Hameister
The September 13, 2022 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President J. Richardson at 6:03 p.m. at District Office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, NY in the 2nd floor Professional Development Center. There was a quorum. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. M. Alt motioned, C. Roods seconded to call the meeting to order. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. Student Liaison Reports Sidney C. introduced herself and shared her many interests and activities. She gave an update on Schroeder’s activities including being thrilled to see what the year will bring with a sense of normalcy. Staff and faculty were thanked for welcoming and supporting students. Link crew leaders were present throughout the building on opening day. Clubs start this week, there is an open house, homecoming plans are underway, the senior sunrise event was well attended, the upcoming Autumn Fanfare is on 10/8, and students are excited to use the new library space, etc. Lauryn W. gave an update on Thomas’ activities including incoming freshmen were welcomed with newly decorated lockers by Link crew members and the first annual school cook out was enjoyed by staff and students. Hanna R. gave an update on Thomas’ activities including the Titan Service Scholars will go on their first international trip to the Dominican Republic in July. A fundraising carwash will be held on Saturday in the Bill Gray’s parking lot. Students were invited back to the United Way Day of Caring to re-bed gardens and help in the soup kitchen, and registration is open for driver’s ed. L. Dioguardi motioned, C. Roods seconded to approve the agenda. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. WTA Liaison Report Joan Bardanis commented on WTA’s unwavering commitment. She extended thanks to all involved for the amazing job ensuring everyone stays as safe as possible. WTA is grateful for the outstanding summer learning recovery program, staff and students worked very hard and are gracious. Over the summer our local was awarded with the “Take a Look at Teaching” grant, for the recruitment of strong teachers. It is for those who pursue teaching in college or adults who want to change their career path. Many will be involved in the program. Our CARE program will be headed by Craig Johnville this year. Boxes/cartons will be at TTT for donating non-perishable food to pantries. Joan spoke about professional development opportunities held over the summer. Thanks were extended to the PTSA for their amazing partnership. It was great to meet and welcome Dr. Chalwell as the Director of Family Engagement and Inclusivity. WREA Outstanding Citizenship Award Presentation On behalf of the WREA, administration presented Outstanding Citizenship awards from the 2021-2022 school year to students who model the attributes of scholarship, service, leadership and sportsmanship in all areas of life. Recipients are: Leah Stronach, DeWitt Road Elementary School; Ivy Cabili, Klem Road North Elementary School; Cesar Acosta Montano, Klem Road South Elementary School; Maeve Fitzgerald, Plank Road North Elementary School; Marne Mazzochetti, Plank Road South Elementary School; Erin Bradford, Schlegel Road Elementary School; and Simon Roode, State Road Elementary School. Superintendent’s Report Campus News Superintendent Neenan welcomed everyone back to school and shared photos taken on the first day. Our students and staff’s enthusiasm could be felt throughout all buildings visited. We welcomed our staff for their opening meeting of the year on August 30. What made the day so special was the participation of 30 Webster CSD students including our elementary school Citizenship Award winners, members of our award winning marching band, outstanding high school vocalists, and a group of Webster Schroeder’s speech and debate team. The memorable morning also included an amazing staff choir. Our themes for the year were shared: Together, Balance, and Champions of Education.
Plank North Principal Craig Bodensteiner gave an elementary update and spoke about the preparations that took place over the summer, a great opening day, and how things are returning to pre-pandemic times. He expressed gratitude for the outstanding efforts by those working in Buildings and Grounds, construction, custodians, food service, bus drivers, and paraprofessionals to name a few. There are upcoming curriculum nights, community circles training, etc. Willink Principal Brian Powers gave a secondary update and spoke about the excitement and joy of returning to school, the facility upgrades, Web orientation days led by 8 th graders welcoming 6th graders, a great program that eases the transition to middle school, the senior sunrise breakfast kicked off Schroeder students’ senior year, the OWL programs are all off to a great start, and GOAL’s team building activities at Camp Arrowhead, etc. Mr. Neenan thanked Webster Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry Howard who asked our district to host the chamber’s monthly breakfast meeting in August. It was an invaluable opportunity for us to share information about the district and to connect with so many community business leaders. Professional Development Plan Report Presenters: Erin Land, Greg Ahlquist and Sarah Mitchell “Always Learning” has drastically changed over the last three years. Our district’s vision anchors the thinking and discussion around professional learning. Planning has started for this year and next summer. In 2021-22, 224 different learning opportunities were offered via virtual, synchronous and asynchronous participation, with 2,319 participants. There are several different ways professional development is offered, including board workshops, faculty meetings, etc.. During the summer of 2022, 149 different learning opportunities were offered via synchronous and blended learning, with 1,492 participants. Work includes curriculum work, standalone technology learning, teaching methods or delivery in the classroom. Teachers Teach Teachers (TTT) will return this year and be better than ever. Over 60 sessions are lined up for staff to be engaged in. Our Induction program is in its 5th year and there were 90+ new hires this year. There is a refocus on our coaching cycles. Sarah Mitchell shared her experience in the district, teaching UPK last year, post Covid, and her mentoring experience with a colleague. They problem solved, held peer observations, and planned together. The key takeaway was the positive benefits of learning from each other. S. LaDelfa motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to approve the 2022-2023 Professional Development Plan. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. BOARD BUSINESS: Tax Certiorari Update Assistant Superintendent Freeman updated board members on the pending tax certiorari cases, small claims adjustments and respective risks. Capital Project Transportation Change Order Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the change order that will address an unforeseen field condition at the transportation facility. Be It Resolved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, approve change order IS-034 in the amount of $135,293 to be issued on the contract for DiFiore Construction Inc., Site Contractor for the Transportation facility project. C. Roods motioned, C. Barnabas seconded to approve the capital project change order IS-034 in the amount of $135,293 for the bus garage. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. School Liaison Reports President Richardson reported that Central PTSA meets on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Spry. Jennifer Birdsong-Ng attended Klem South’s PTSA meeting and kids are happy to be back. They had a great start to the new year including, kindergarten play dates, a teacher appreciation welcome breakfast, the upcoming Fun Run, planning for Trunk or Treat, Leo’s pie fundraiser, a possible chili cook off, and topics of interest for families, etc. Monroe County School Boards Association Reports Legislative Committee: Jennifer Birdsong-Ng reported on topics discussed including: Law Conference on 9/22, Annual Legislative breakfast on 2/4, activities including position papers, advocating efforts, virtual vs. in person meetings with legislators, learnings from the pandemic, electric buses, bus driver shortages and a collaborative system to push back on expectations, state assessment data, testing, prioritizing, safety, mental health, UPK funding, school lunches, lifting restrictions on retirement caps, teacher certification, digital divide, etc. Information Exchange: Meets September 14. Executive Committee: Meets October 5. President Richardson reminded the board about the Max Stossel event “Social media and your Kids” on October 4 at 7:00 p.m. at Schroeder.
Audit Committee – Our audit will be done next week and a meeting will be scheduled once completed. Budget Advisory Committee – Board members will rotate. Policy Committee – The next meeting is on 9/22 to review policies for first readings by the board in October. Strategic Planning – A core team meeting will be scheduled. School Community Committees: Vice President Dioguardi reported that WHEN has been meeting all summer and are partnering with Max Stossel. Jennifer Birdsong-Ng reported that the FIRE committee looks forward to working with our new director of family engagement and inclusivity. Consent Agenda J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, C. Roods seconded to accept the Consent agenda as recommended by the Superintendent including Minutes: August 10, 2022 Executive Session, August 15, 2022 Regular Business Meeting, Personnel Actions: Certified Tenured, Certified Probationary, Certified Regular Substitute, Certified Temporary, Classified Appointments, Adjustments, Additional Assignments, Resignations, Resignations Appointed to New Position, Retirements, Terminations, Tenure Appointments, Recommendations of the Committee on Special Education Meetings 2022-2023 meetings, Recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education meetings, Appointment of Impartial Hearing Officers for the 2022-2023 school year as maintained by NYSED, Appointment of Members to the Committee on Special Education, Cooperative Bids: Gas and Diesel Fuel, Bus Parts, Pool Supplies. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. ADJOURNMENT J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 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.