WEBSTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Webster, New York BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING Tuesday, February 8, 2022 Members Present: Absent: Administrators Present: Others Present:
T. Gurowski, J. Richardson, M. Alt, J. Birdsong-Ng, L. Dioguardi, S. LaDelfa, M. Rigillo B. Neenan, B. Freeman, C. Armstrong, E. Land, D. Swinson, G. Widor, C. Bodensteiner, J. Saunders, J. Baehr, P. Benz, J. Montemaro, A. Kunecki, N. Flood Lauryn W., Brooke C., Michael R., G. Damico, M. Bell, C. Zizzo, K. Smegelsky, E. Smegelsky, C. Passamonte, B. Shortino, M. Coene, J. Coene, T. Woodward, J. Balliet, S. Dollé, A. Dollé, K. Johnson, S. Andolsek, S. Michaelson, D. Bochno, D. Ruiz, C. Bell, M. Ricotta, G. Contestable, F. Englerth, D. Lerkins, C. Shuttleworth, K. Borchers, Erica, L. Levine, L. Summers, J. Lachiusa, A. Lachiusa, J. Caracci, J. Caracci, M. Bender, D. Elliott, K. Smegelski, J. Zizzo, R. Yoder, B. Chase, M. McDonald, M. McDonald, J. Riddell, B. Mrugalski, M. Anderson, K. Vokulich, D. Calus, L. Reynolds, J. Fonseca, M. Agor, several illegible names.
The February 8, 2022 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President T. Gurowski at 5:30 p.m. at District Office in the 2nd Floor Professional Development Center, 119 South Avenue, Webster, NY. There was a quorum. J. Richardson motioned, M. Alt 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. Executive Session was held in the Superintendent’s office. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Attendees: Board Members, B. Neenan, B. Freeman, D. Swinson, E. Land, N. Flood. The February 8, 2022 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President T. Gurowski at 6:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor Professional Development Center. There was a quorum. J. Richardson motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to move out of Executive Session. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Liaison Reports: Schroeder student liaison Michael R. reported on a Valentine’s Day card project, student awards received at the scholastic arts and writing competition, and a four-year record high in students signing out library books. President Gurowski requested the audience to respect the students’ right to speak after a disruption. The newly renovated library will provide great opportunities. Brooke C. reported that Mr. Waltman’s Social Studies class invited guest speaker, Todd Walsh, a former graduate who is a pre/post game reporter for the Arizona Diamond Backs and Coyotes, who gave an inspirational message to students. Student council launched their annual Valentine’s Day “crush sale”, the National Honor Society tutoring center is now open on Tuesday and Thursday before school. Thomas student liaison Lauryn W. wished everyone a happy black history and culture month. She reported on student participation and awards in the Start Here exhibition, WonderCare is hiring students for after school care, the Monroe County Sherriff’s office is holding a teen police academy over the summer, and seniors are beginning preparation for graduation. Superintendent’s Report and Campus News Superintendent Neenan reported that Community Arts Day will return on April 9. Thanks to the Webster Central PTSA on bringing this incredible, community-wide event back to Schroeder High School. In partnership with the Webster Central PTSA, our second Parent University: Educational Equity for All Students will be held on February 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Spry cafetorium by Dr. Sean Eversley Bradwell.
Mr. Neenan introduced Craig Bodensteiner, Plank North Elementary principal and Glenn Widor, Webster Thomas High school principal. Mr. Bodensteiner gave an update on elementary school activities and introduced Plank North first grade student Jonathan, Assistant Principal Kunecki and Jonathan’s mother. Last Wednesday elementary students participated in Global Play Day where there was no technology, students played outside, relaxed, and had fun. The annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser took place in all elementary buildings. Elementary schools are celebrating black history month and the Lunar New Year. Jonathan began to share how his family celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year. Due to the interruptions and tenor of the meeting, President Gurowski asked for the audience to respect those speaking and proposed to recess the meeting. Principal Bodensteiner escorted the student and his parent out of the meeting. Mr. Bodensteiner shared Jonathan’s experiences from a six-year old’s perspective, and his family’s traditions that were shared on the morning show with the entire school. Mr. Widor gave an update on secondary school activities. The 1st semester ended January 28 and grades will be ready to print on Friday by 5:00 p.m. School musicals include: Moana Jr., performed this past weekend by Willink students, this weekend Schroeder students will perform A Chorus Line, Spry will perform Matilda Jr. in March, and Thomas will perform Little Shop of Horrors in April. Extracurricular clubs are active and winter sports teams are readying for sectionals. At February’s high school faculty meetings, each school’s DREAM club presented on what they learned from attending the ROC2CHANGE summit and students shared their personal experience attending our schools. Mr. Neenan reported that the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents sent a letter to Governor Hochul asking for guidance and guidelines regarding an exit strategy for masking and other mitigation strategies that will keep everyone safe and in session. The letter is on our website. Athletics Report Presenters: S. LaMonica, Athletic Director, Thomas High School and Shawn Strege, Athletic Director, Schroeder High School Messrs. LaMonica and Strege described their respective teams, including their assistants, equipment managers, trainers, head supervisors, event supervisors and coaches. There are thirty-seven team sports offered, including 76 modified teams, 47 junior varsity, 74 varsity and six merged teams. Nearly 42% of Webster students participate on an interscholastic team at least once between grades 7-12.The smallest team has two participants and the largest team has over 100 and there are multiple all state athletes. Fall team GPAs and sportsmanship award statistics were shared as well as the different ways for recognizing student athletes. A popular event for students is Media day where they sign their D1 and D2 college letters of intent. A video was shown where students described what being an athlete means to them. Staff and students continue to be thankful to the community for our first class indoor and outdoor facilities. J. Richardson motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to accept the Athletics report as presented. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. BOARD BUSINESS Treasurer's Reports October, November and December 2021 Assistant Superintendent Freeman highlighted key areas on the October, November and December 2021 Treasurer’s Reports. L. Dioguardi motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to accept the October, November, and December 2021 Treasurer’s Reports. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Bus Purchase Proposition Resolution Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the bus purchase proposition to purchase and finance replacement student transport vehicles for a total sum not to exceed $1,687,500. BE IT RESOLVED: The District hereby determines that the acquisition of the Vehicles constitutes a Type II Action pursuant to Parts 617.5(c)(10) and 617.5(c)(31) of the Regulations and as such is not subject to review under SEQRA.
The proposition hereinafter set forth is hereby authorized to be submitted for the approval of the qualified voters at the annual school district election to be held in said District on May 17, 2022. The District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to include as a part of the notice of the annual district meeting and election notice. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that at said annual election to be held on May 17, 2022, the following proposition will be submitted: TRANSPORTATION PROPOSITION Shall the Board of Education of the Webster Central School District be authorized to purchase and finance replacement student transport vehicles, including necessary furnishings, fixtures and equipment and all other costs incidental thereto, and expend a total sum not to exceed $1,687,500, which is estimated to be the total maximum cost thereof, and said amount, or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by the levy of a tax upon the taxable property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided by Section 416 of the Education Law; and, in anticipation of such tax, obligations of said School District, in the principal amount not to exceed $1,687,500, shall be issued. J. Richardson motioned, S. LaDelfa seconded to accept the Bus Purchase Proposition Resolution A roll call vote was taken and all board members voted unanimously in favor. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Fall Quarterly Capital Project Review Mr. Freeman gave an update on the progress of the capital projects. Schroeder fields are 99% complete, Thomas has a few punch list items to be completed, interior work at Schroeder is moving along, Plank North and Klem North libraries are complete, State Road’s library construction has begun, Willink’s library has been gutted. Transportation construction work has been approved by SED. Upcoming work includes repair on a patch of Thomas’ roof and faculty bathrooms, outside brick work repair at Schroeder, Transportation will start expanding the parking lot in the next few weeks. M. Rigillo motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve the quarterly capital project review update. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Budget Thought Exchange Review Mr. Freeman reviewed the results of the Budget question on the Thought Exchange. Over seven hundred people participated compared to approximately thirty people who have attended Budget Advisory Committee meetings in the past. It is a great tool to obtain feedback. The top themes to develop a budget include elementary class size, educational learning opportunities, and mental health. Results are on our website and work is in progress to obtain additional feedback through Thought Exchange. S. LaDelfa motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to accept the Budget Thought Exchange report as presented. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. First Responders Property Exemption Mr. Freeman explained the law and requirements for the exemption. This exemption is for Monroe County, not New York State. Qualifications were reviewed. The district would need to hold a public hearing and pass a resolution to adopt it. This is an advisory proposition and not a voter proposition. We continue to learn the impact on this exemption, as when one group receives an exemption the rest of the properties pick up the difference. The estimate is $750K in an overall assessment reduction at this time. It would be a10% reduction on approximately 100 properties. External Audit RFP Mr. Freeman shared that WCSD participated in a request for proposals for external auditing services along with 14 Monroe County districts and two BOCES organizations. Two groups engaged in the process. The Bonadio group is prevented from engaging as they are the internal auditor for the district. The business office recommends that Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co., continue to be the external auditing firm. L. Dioguardi motioned, S. LaDelfa seconded to accept the results of the External Audit RFP report with Mengel, Metzger, Barr & Co. continuing to be our external auditing firm. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No.
BOARD REPORTS School Liaison Reports Mike Alt -- Plank North held their first field trip where fifth grade students attended the challenger learning center, students are giving back to the community and projects were shared. Maria Rigillo -- DeWitt’s next meeting is on 2/15 via Zoom. Willink: Congratulations to all involved in Moana Jr., plans for the 8th grade trip to Niagara Falls, the library is under construction and their next meeting is on 3/10 via Google Meet. All PTSAs are looking for volunteers. Thanks to all school personnel braving the elements every day to keep our kids safe. Janice Richardson -- Klem South held a successful virtual readathon, they are working on Square 1 art, students prepared valentines to local nursing homes; bingo will be held in March, the VIP dance will be in May, they are looking for volunteers and their next meeting is 3/16. Tammy Gurowski-- Schlegel is looking for volunteers, some activities have been moved to spring and they are hoping people will volunteer. Their next meeting is 3/15. Linda Dioguardi -- Spry is holding their spirit wear shop, they are in need of a co-chair, planning is taking place for activities for 8th graders, and their next meeting is on 3/16. Plank South is holding a book fair, a snow building event on 2/12 with hot cocoa, they will bring back their chess club, their science fair is on 3/30, and their next meeting is on 3/9. Schroeder is holding a Chorus Line and their next meeting is on 3/9. Jennifer Birdsong-Ng -- State Road meets next Tuesday, Thomas meets 5/11. Shanna LaDelfa-- Klem North’s next meeting is 3/24. Monroe County School Boards Association Tammy Gurowski -- Steering Committee was canceled this month. Jennifer Birdsong-Ng -- Dan White presented at Legislative Committee on the importance of BOCES aid and the importance of CTE training and funding. Linda Dioguardi -- The Labor Relations presentation topic was SuperEval. Tammy Gurowski -- Info Exchange meets with RMSC tomorrow re: the solar eclipse in April 2024. Executive Committee topics include a post-pandemic learning environment and prep for next steps. Standing District Committees Audit Committee will meet in the spring. Policy: We await the first draft of our policies for review from Erie 1 BOCES. Strategic Planning: The survey will be administered in April to students, staff and the community to help determine what is important to the community, evaluate staffing, etc. School Community Committees: WHEN extended thanks to the town and village boards for opting out of the marijuana dispensaries and consumption lounges and for carefully considering the issues. The FIRE meeting will be rescheduled. Central PTSA held a digital citizenship technology presentation and is posted on our website. Consent Agenda: J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, J. Richardson seconded to approve the Consent agenda items as recommended by the Superintendent including: Personnel Actions: Certified Probationary, Certified Regular Substitute, Classified Appointments, Adjustments as amended, Additional Assignments, Resignations, Retirements, Minutes from 2022-01-18 Regular Business Meeting, Recommendations of the Committee on Special Education 2021-2022 Meetings, Recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education Meetings, Health Insurance Group Membership Request, Coop Bid: Medical Trainer Supplies, Resolution to Appoint Vote Workers. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. VISITOR’S SPEAKING TIME President Gurowski read the Visitor speaking/Public comment policy.
Mark Agor shared his concerns about an incident with security and an unmasked individual, extended compliments to Superintendent Neenan, his disagreement with an individual defending the former superintendent, and an insurance matter, etc. Bethany Mrugalski shared her appreciation for having input on the Thought Exchange. She shared her concerns about middle school students’ mental health and masking concerns, etc. Bonnie Shortino shared her concerns about decisions made for children, masking issues, the Governor’s mandate, the constitution, etc. Joe Lachiusa shared his concerns about fighting for normalcy for our kids, COVID transmission data, evidence that masking isn’t stopping the spread, mandates, and giving parents the right to choose, etc. Carl Zizzo shared his opposition to mandates, segregation, CRT. He addressed a group portrait from the Monroe County Legislative breakfast, masking concerns and disagrees with the district’s decisions, etc. Jennifer Fonseca thanked the superintendents across the county by asking Governor Hochul for developing an exit plan, ESSER funds, vaccinations, and to modify Policy 5160 to go optional. David Ruiz expressed his concerns regarding masking, other districts lifting the masking mandate, denied FOILs about curriculum, representing the community, being ready to change and being against vaccines. ADJOURNMENT J. Richardson motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. 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.