WEBSTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Webster, New York BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING August 15, 2022 Board Members Present: Absent: Administrators Present: Others:
J. Richardson, L. Dioguardi, M. Alt, C. Barnabas, J. Birdsong-Ng, C. Roods S. LaDelfa B. Neenan, B. Freeman, C. Armstrong, D. Swinson, K. Hesla, F. Leggett E. Connelly, Matthew G., his parents, sibling and grandparents, G. Baum, L. Baum
The Monday, August 15, 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 in the 2nd Floor Professional Development Center, 119 South Avenue, Webster. There was a quorum. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, C. Roods seconded to open the meeting. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was examined and remained unchanged. M. Alt motioned, C. Roods seconded to approve the agenda. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) Student Speech from Speech and Debate Club Mrs. Connelly shared the history of our outstanding speech and debate team and spoke about the many different events that comprise speech and debate. The board was thanked for their continued support. Mrs. Connelly introduced Matthew G. who delivered an oratorical declamation entitled, “Three Stories from my Life” by Steve Jobs. Matthew was complimented by the board and superintendent for a superb delivery. BOARD BUSINESS: Final Reserve Transfers 2021-2022 Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the recommended reserve transfers to conclude the fiscal year as required to set the tax rates for the next fiscal year. L. Dioguardi motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve the final 2021-2022 reserve transfers. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) Reserve Type and Name Capital Retirement Contribution Reserve TRS Sub Fund Workers’ Compensation Liability Tax Certiorari
Final 2021-22 Transfers $4,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,500,00 $500,000
Balance forward into the 2022-23 Fiscal Year $10,633,958 $8,765,494 $2,812,959 $4,027,999 $3,302,326 $4,159,181
Tax Presentation Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the three components of the tax rate formula: tax levy (set by the district), assessments (set by the town), and equalization rates (set by the state) in detail. 2022-2023 Tax Warrant Approval L. Dioguardi motioned, C. Roods seconded to approve the 2022-2023 tax warrant. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) Final Rates (per Thousand) 2020-21 Penfield 22.284910 Webster 26.199807 Ontario 21.587336 Walworth 22.842413 True Tax Value 19.388755
2021-22 22.694474 26.792067 19.569838 19.569838 19.283389
2022-23 17.370224 27.141003 18.731630 18.731630 17.371077
Variance ($5.32) $0.35 ($0.84) ($0.84) ($1.91)
% Variance -23.46% 1.30% -4.28% -4.28% -9.92%
Webster Woods Tax Certiorari Settlement Approval Mr. Freeman shared the background on the Webster Woods tax certiorari. BE IT RESOLVED that: 1. The Board of Education agrees to settle the tax certiorari proceedings commenced by Webster Woods in accordance with the terms set forth and in the form approved by Ferrara Fiorenza PC and hereby delegates to Ferrara Fiorenza PC the authority to execute such settlement documents. 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately. M.Alt motioned, C. Barnabas seconded to settle the tax certiorari proceedings commenced by Webster Woods. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) School Lunch Prices Recommendation Mr. Freeman reviewed the proposed lunch price changes due to the universal free meal program ending as follows: Elementary: $2.90, Middle: $3.00, High School: $3.00. J.Birdsong-Ng motioned, C. Roods seconded to approve the recommended school lunch prices. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) Capital Project Bid Acceptance (Scoreboards) L. Dioguardi motioned, C. Barnabas seconded to accept bids for the capital project approved in December 2018. Lowest responsible bidders are: General Contractor: Javen Construction, Electrical Contract: Billitier Electric. Work taking place at both high schools will be to increase electrical capacity and additional video display monitors at both stadiums. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) Treasurer’s Report June 2022 Assistant Superintendent Freeman highlighted key items on the June 2022 Treasurer’s Report. J.Birdsong-Ng motioned, C. Roods seconded to approve the June 2022 Treasurer’s Report as presented. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) Capital Project Vote and Resolution of Intent to Serve as Lead Agency (SEQRA) Type 1 Action Mr. Freeman summarized the capital project discussion during the workshop in May and at the Regular Business meeting in July. The scope of work has remained the same and was reviewed by building. Categories of work to be performed include OWL building additions, HVAC, building exterior and interior work, roofing, fire and safety systems. The total estimated project cost is $115,000,000; $10,000,000 from our capital reserve would be applied for a final amount of debt to be financed of $105,000,000. The total cost for borrowing (interest included for 23 years) is $144,820,663. State Aid applied using a 76.6% aid ratio is $103,166,611 and the local share over 23 years is $41,654,051. An estimated increase on the tax levy limit per year is 1.1% and the average yearly amount of local share capital exclusion is $1,295,850. Mr. Freeman reiterated that these are all estimates. Advantages of having one proposition vs. two is this being a long haul project, gives the district greater flexibility if issues arise, timeline, economies of scale and one SEQR. The timeline prior to a December 13 vote was reviewed. Mr. Freeman was thanked for answering Board members’ questions throughout the discussion of the project and for bringing new board members up to speed. SEQRA Type 1 Action Resolution NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Webster Central School District: Designates its intention to serve as Lead Agency for the SEQRA Coordinated Review of the instant Type I Action and shall circulate its intention to act as lead agent to involved agencies. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, C. Roods seconded to approve moving forward with a capital project vote in December 2022 and approving the resolution of intent to serve as lead agency for the SEQRA coordinated review of the instant Type 1 action. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) Code of Conduct 2022-2023 Ms. Armstrong highlighted one change to the 2022-2023 Code of Conduct regarding being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Ms. Armstrong mentioned possibly returning in January or so for updates on the dress code, per great feedback received from students, staff and parents via ThoughtExchange. M. Alt motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve the 2022-2023 Code of Conduct as presented. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) District Goals 2022-2023 President Richardson commented on the collaboration between the board, cabinet, leadership, teachers, staff, etc. The input received on the 2022-23 goals was amazing and we are looking forward to a great school year. Discussion took place regarding the wording around the art and science of teaching and pedagogy. L. Dioguardi motioned, C. Roods seconded to approve the district goals for 2022-2023. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.)
Liaison and Committee Participation C. Roods motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve the liaison and committee assignments as follows: Monroe County School Boards Association: Legislative: J. Birdsong, Ng., Labor Relations: L. Dioguardi, C. Barnabas, Information Exchange: S. LaDelfa, C. Barnabas, Executive Committee: J. Richardson District/Community Committees: Audit: M. Alt, S. LaDelfa, J. Birdsong-Ng, Budget Advisory: Rotation amongst members, Policy: L. Dioguardi, J. Richardson, C. Roods, Strategic Planning: J. Richardson, M. Alt, S. LaDelfa, WHEN: L. Dioguardi, FIRE: J. Birdsong-Ng. PTSA Building Reps: Central: President/Vice President, DeWitt: M. Alt, Klem North: S. LaDelfa, Klem South, J. Birdsong-Ng, Plank North: M. Alt, Plank South: L. Dioguardi, Schlegel: C. Barnabas, State: J. Birdsong-Ng, Spry: L. Dioguardi, J. Richardson, C. Roods, Willink: C. Barnabas, J. Birdsong-Ng, Schroeder: L. Dioguardi, C. Roods, J. Richardson, Thomas: S. LaDelfa, C. Barnabas. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) Policy Committee Update Mr. Roods joined the Policy Committee who met over the summer and work continues on the Erie 1 BOCES draft. The goal is to have readings by section beginning in October and not have two working documents by the end of the school year. Law Conference Update Jennifer Birdsong-Ng, Shanna LaDelfa and Janice Richardson attended the NYSSBA law conference and Jennifer updated board members on the topics discussed including legislation, supreme court cases, teacher shortages, legal qualifications for hiring, APPR, FOIL regulations, the increase of FOIL requests and associated legal costs, collective bargaining contracts and costs, BOE conduct, elections, home instruction, discipline, tenure, etc. Consent Agenda M. Alt motioned, C. Roods seconded to approve the Consent agenda as recommended by the Superintendent including Minutes: July 5, 2022 Organizational and Regular Business Meeting, Personnel Actions: Certified Tenured, Certified Probationary, Certified Regular Substitute, Classified Appointments, Adjustments, Additional Assignments, Resignations, Resignations Appointed to New Position, Tenure Appointments, Recommendations of the Committee on Special Education Meetings 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, Recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education meetings, Cooperative Bid: Bagel. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.) No visitors registered to speak this evening. ADJOURNMENT L. Dioguardi motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m. Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0; Absent: 1; (S. LaDelfa.)
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.