Webster Central School District Webster, NY Board of Education Virtual Regular Business Meeting, Public Hearing and Workshop Tuesday, March 8, 2022 6:00 p.m. This meeting was held virtually via Zoom Video Conference
Members Present:
T. Gurowski, J. Richardson, M. Alt, J. Birdsong-Ng, L. Dioguardi-Executive Session Only, S. LaDelfa, M. Rigillo Members Absent: L. Dioguardi-Regular Business Meeting, Public Hearing and Workshop Administrators Present: B. Freeman, C. Armstrong, E. Land, D. Swinson, J. Hendrickson, P. Benz, R. Saiff Others Present: L. Levine, K. Lockhart, D. Ruiz CALL TO ORDER: President Gurowski called the Tuesday, March 8, 2022 Regular Business, Public Hearing, and Workshop meeting to order via Zoom Video Conference at 5:32 p.m. M. Alt motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person or corporation. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No; Executive Session Attendees: Board members and Superintendent Neenan. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION President Gurowski called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. There was a quorum. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, M. Alt seconded to move out of Executive Session and into public session. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. Liaison Reports Schroeder student liaison Brooke C. reported that student clubs are creating murals for display as part of the Sources of Strength program, speech and debate team success, concert updates, language honor society induction ceremony, math league season completion and their therapy dog Harper, a three year old golden doodle who students adore. Thomas student liaison Charisma F. reported on celebrating championships with bricks earned by members of the indoor track team and hockey team, athletic success, musicians selected to perform at the all-county music festival, etc. Thomas student liaison Lauryn W.’s report was read by Charisma due to audio issues. She reported that the DREAM club created a wall of sticky notes where students can write notes on positive changes in society that students would like to make happen and how to enact those changes to make the world a better place. A collection of items was donated to provide humanitarian aid to the citizens of Ukraine. WTA liaison Joan Bardanis thanked the student liaisons for their reports; Joan expressed gratitude for not having to go remote this year, flannel day success and staff’s encouragement by students, the equity diversity and inclusion committee looks forward to attending the second BOCES workshop, the women’s committee collecting donations for the Willow domestic center, ensuring students’ scholarship applications are submitted, the yearly Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics, senior trips, sports, concerts, plays, intramurals, etc. WTA members do a great deal of mentoring, four teachers have been invited to be in the Master Teacher program, and WTA has celebrated 50 years in February. PUBLIC HEARING J. Richardson motioned, S. LaDelfa seconded to open the public hearing. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. The Public Hearing was called to order at 6:26 p.m.
The Public Hearing was held on the proposition of whether or not the Webster Central School District Board of Education should adopt a resolution providing for certain tax exemptions pursuant to Section 466-k of the Real Property Tax Law. Assistant Superintendent Freeman described the resolution. Resolution to provide for certain tax exemptions pursuant to Section 466-k of the Real Property Tax Law for First Responders NOW THEREFORE, the Board of Education of the Webster Central School District resolves as follows: Section 1. The real property Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers Exemption made available pursuant to the provisions of Section 466-k of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York, shall apply to qualifying individuals as follows: a) 2 Years of Service. For purposes of Webster Central School District real property taxes, qualifying residential real property shall receive an exemption of ten percent of the assessed value of such property upon proof of the following: i.Applicant timely files the appropriate exemption application with the applicable town assessor; and ii.Applicant is an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or incorporated voluntary ambulance service residing in Monroe County; and iii.Applicant resides in the city, town, or village which is served by such incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service; and iv.The property is the primary residence of the applicant; and v.The property is used exclusively for residential purposes (or a portion of the property is used for applicant’s residence as outlined in the statute); and vi.Applicant obtains a certification from the incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department or incorporated voluntary ambulance service stating he/she is an enrolled member for at least two years; OR b) 20 Years of Service. For purposes of Webster Central School District real property taxes, qualifying residential real property shall receive an exemption of ten percent of the assessed value of such property for the life of the applicant upon proof of the following: i.Applicant timely files the appropriate exemption application with the applicable town assessor; and ii.Applicant is an enrolled member of an incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or incorporated voluntary ambulance service; and iii.Applicant obtains a certification from the incorporated volunteer fire company, fire department, or incorporated voluntary ambulance service stating he/she is an enrolled member for at least twenty years of active service; and iv.The applicant’s primary residence is located within Monroe County. Section 2. The School Business Official is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the applicable assessors within the Webster Central School District and to the Monroe County Department of Real Property Tax. Section 3. The School Business Official is directed to prepare a procedure for certification pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 466-k and in a form approved by legal counsel. Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately for the 2022-23 School tax year. M. Rigillo motioned, M. Alt seconded to adopt the resolution. Vote: 5: Yes; 0: No; 1: Abstain: J. Richardson; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, M. Alt seconded to close the public hearing. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. The Public Hearing closed at 6:30 p.m. and the Regular Business meeting continued. INSTRUCTIONAL REPORTS Superintendent’s Report/Campus News: Superintendent Neenan reported that March is Music in our Schools Month and Youth Art Month, a terrific time to enjoy the talents of our student musicians and artists. Spry Drama Club presents Matilda Junior
this Friday and Saturday. Thanks were extended to the Webster Central PTSA for the return of Community Arts Day on Saturday, April 9, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mr. Neenan introduced Jennifer Hendrickson, Plank South principal representing our elementary schools, Paul Benz, principal of Webster Schroeder High School, representing our secondary schools and Rebecca Saiff, administrator of our GOAL program. Jennifer Hendrickson reported on elementary activities including the 100th day of school, black history month, women’s history month, March book madness, and a video showcasing how students use their essential skills, as well as demonstrations by teachers. Rebecca Saiff spoke about middle schools and GOAL. Spry shared their excitement about spirit week, flapjack and flannel day, kindness notes sent by parents for students’ lockers, and treats from PTSA for staff. Willink held digital citizenship presentations during lunches with Officers Herrle and Johnson and their CARE difference makers demonstrating kindness. GOAL is the alternative program for Schroeder and Thomas students. New cctivities include offering an elective in public speaking, the new morning show opportunity, and the STEAM café, etc. Paul Benz reported on secondary activities including Thomas’ student art portraits by 9th grade students, track and hockey teams’ success. Shared high school activities include preparations to host the ROC2Change summit at St. John Fisher in the fall for the DREAM club, both high schools celebrate students and staff of the month, etc. Schroeder’s outstanding performance of A Chorus Line, student athlete success, winter Olympics, a Warrior walk parade, etc. Superintendent Neenan shared a reminder about upcoming ELA and math exams for students in grades 3-8. ELA is on March 29 and 30; mathematics is on April 26 and 27. Parent-Teacher Conferences are March 10, 11, 17, and 18, a half-day schedule for all UPK-5 students. Students in grades 6-12 will have their normal, full-day schedule. Elementary families were reminded to check their child’s newsletter for information on bus schedules on conference days. Our district is actively recruiting for positions on our One Webster team for this school year, summer school, and the 2022-23 school year. Our human resources staff will participate in job fairs throughout the community, including at Nazareth College on Wednesday. Please visit our website to view job descriptions. BOARD BUSINESS January 2022 Treasurer's Report Assistant Superintendent Freeman highlighted items on the January 2022 Treasurer’s Report. M. Rigillo motioned, J. Richardson seconded to approve the January 2022 Treasurer’s Report as presented. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. Resolution to Establish Hours at Annual District Meeting on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 Assistant Superintendent Freeman shared the hours of the annual meeting. BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Webster Central School District, Monroe County, New York as follows: The annual district meeting vote and election (the “Vote”) will be conducted by voting machine on the 17th day of May, 2022, between the hours of 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, prevailing time, at the Webster Schroeder High School gymnasium, 875 Ridge Road, in the Town of Webster, New York, in said school district. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, M. Alt seconded to accept the resolution establishing hours at the Annual District meeting on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. Legal Notice for Annual Election and Budget Vote on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the key points on the legal notice for publication four times before the vote. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, J. Richardson seconded to accept the Legal Notice for the Annual Election and Budget Vote on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi.
First Reading of DRAFT 2022-2023 School Calendar Superintendent Neenan highlighted key dates on the draft 2022-2023 school calendar. J. Richardson motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to accept the first reading of the calendar and move it forward for a second reading at the next meeting. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. BOARD REPORTS School Liaison Reports Janice Richardson – Klem South meets next week. Jennifer Birdsong-Ng – State Road will have a St. Patrick’s Day treasure hunt, fundraisers, school dance, Sea Breeze event, etc. They are very excited to get families back together. They meet next on 3/14. Shanna LaDelfa – Klem North meets on 3/24 and Willink meets on 3/10. Mike Alt – Plank North meets on 3/21. Maria Rigillo – DeWitt will hold field days at the end of the school year, their next meeting is on 3/14. Thomas performs Little Shop of Horrors 4/7-9. Willink has their spring spirit wear sale and meets Thursday. Tammy Gurowski – Schlegel meets next Tuesday and Thomas will hold a job fair on May 16. Monroe County School Boards Association Tammy Gurowski -- Steering Committee discussion was to promote ACT for Education and all the positives that happen in Monroe County schools. They meet next on 3/30. Shanna LaDelfa -- Legislative Committee debriefed on the legislative breakfast. Three bills affecting schools have passed the senate and are awaiting the assembly committee. Discussion took place about electric bus costs, delivery, timeline and recharging. There are concerns around a bill passed relating to led testing and levels. The importance of candidate nights for upcoming board elections and MCSBA is willing to facilitate. Maria Rigillo -- The presentation at Labor Relations was on the New York marijuana use law and what it means for schools. Tammy Gurowski – The presentation at Information Exchange was by RMSC about the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, infrastructure, traffic, etc. They estimate vast numbers of people traveling to our area and are planning so that students are not on school buses at that time. Additional info will be shared. Standing District Committees Audit Committee – Brian Freeman reported that the internal audit is taking place now and a meeting will be scheduled in April/May. Policy Committee – Janice Richardson reported that the first draft has been received from Erie1 BOCES and the committee will meet in the near future to review. Strategic Planning – Mike Alt reported that the team meets this week and are working on survey questions regarding communication, mental health, diversity equity and inclusion. School Community Committees: WHEN: Maria Rigillo reported that WHEN meets tomorrow and work continues partnering with local businesses having one voice and ensuring our kids grow up strong and substance free in our community. FIRE: No report. Central PTSA: Janice Richardson reported on the positive reception that families can return to buildings. The emergency center on Jackson Road hosted a very interesting tour. Jennifer Birdsong-Ng reported on collaboration between WHEN and CAD to build ties between community organizations, PTSA and the district. CAD is looking for volunteers and looking for someone with a food truck connection. Consent Agenda J. Richardson motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to approve the consent agenda items as recommended by the Superintendent including: Minutes from February 1, 2022 Regular Business and Workshop Meeting, February 8, 2022, Regular Business Meeting. Personnel Actions: Certified Regular Substitute, Classified Appointments, Adjustments, Additional Assignments, Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Resignations Appointed to New Position, Retirements, Terminations, Recommendations of the Committee on Special Education Meetings: 2021-2022 Meetings: Annual Review Meetings, Annual/Re-eval. Meetings, Initial Eligibility Determination Meetings, Program Reviews, Amendment-Agreement No Meeting, Requested
Review Transfer Student; 2022-2023 Meetings: Annual Review Meetings, Annual/Re-eval. Meetings, Recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education Meetings: May 27, 2021, June 9, 14, 2021, October 27, 2021, December 21, 22, 2021, January 7, 19, 26, 2022, February 2, 3, 9, 16 and 17, 2022, and the Resolution to appoint additional vote workers. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. VISITOR’S SPEAKING TIME Louis Levine commented on a lack of transparency and accountability, the reason for conducting meetings virtually, security issues at the February meeting, facing issues head on, instilling values in our children and to hold future meetings in person. Kevin Lockhart commented on a lack of leadership of our society, a former Webster student who exemplified courage and leadership, what vaccines are doing to children, a lack of discussion about it and his notice of complaint and to hold meetings in person. David Ruiz clarified that he is against vaccine mandates for schools, not vaccines as noted in the February 8 minutes. Additionally he shared concerns over wording included in the February 8 minutes, previously denied freedom of information requests and for the board to meet in person. ADJOURNMENT The Regular business meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. and the board immediately moved into their workshop session. J. Richardson motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to adjourn the meeting. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. Fine Arts Workshop Michael Roller described how the Fine Arts departments takes the capabilities of each student, expands and grows them. At a young age, students are given an opportunity to explore different avenues. A Kindergarten student project was shared using modeling clay and another project where students created birds. Staff and students are very thankful for the return of concerts and March being Music in Our Schools Month. They are grateful for the PPE that allowed students to participate in as many activities as possible during the pandemic. All are pleased to return to their traditional experiences, allowing students to shine creatively using different tools and applications to learn from. A video of a student’s poem “My Violin” was shared and the poem was inspired by her joy in playing violin. OWL student artwork was created for a community art project with Webster Parks and Recreation. Their artwork will be displayed in the Schroeder gymnasium at the budget vote on May 17. Mr. Roller extended thanks to staff in ensemble classrooms. Board members participated in a hands-on activity regarding their “#3REASONS”. A video was shared with students expressing how the Arts have changed or brightened their year and why the Fine Arts Department is a physical, mental, and emotional safe space. The Workshop concluded at 8:40 p.m. M. Alt motioned, J. Richardson seconded to adjourn the workshop. Vote: 6: Yes; 0: No; 1: Absent: L. Dioguardi. 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.