WEBSTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Webster, New York BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING Tuesday, January 18, 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, J. Baehr, H. Balsamo, C. Lesio, B. Powers, J. Sullivan C. Heinrich, Executive Session only, M. Riddell, J. Riddell, L. White, J. Bardanis J. Fonseca, D. Ruiz
The January 18, 2022 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President T. Gurowski at 4:30 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. 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. Executive Session was held in Conf. Room A on the 3rd Floor. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Attendees: Board Members, C. Heinrich, an employee grievant with representatives. Messrs. Neenan and Swinson attended from 5:20 p.m. through 5:50 p.m. The January 18, 2022 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President T. Gurowski at 6:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor Professional Development Center. There was a quorum. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. M. Alt motioned, J. Richardson seconded to move out of Executive Session and into Public Session. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. The agenda was examined and remained unchanged. Liaison Reports Lauren W., Webster Thomas student liaison gave an update on course selection, students, staff and musicians of the month were acknowledged, programming competition success, Jostens will speak with seniors about ordering their caps and gowns, athletic team success, etc. Michael R., Webster Schroeder student liaison gave an update on the budget challenge, cards made for a student having surgery, mathletes competition success, an NHS food drive competition, Sources of Strength initiative and poster creation, etc. Joan Bardanis, WTA liaison gave an update on Model UN presentations, a national park arts project fundraiser and donation, the Willink Newberry club is reading 10 books from September through January, Spry is working on their cell units, Operation Green Thumb from the Thomas OWL program includes picking up trash outside of the high school during their free time, book talks continue virtually cultivating an open and honest climate, the partnership with WTA Cares has met their goal for the in person February Polar Plunge. INSTRUCTIONAL REPORTS Superintendent’s Report/Campus News: Superintendent Neenan reminded the audience to visit our website regarding the numerous COVID-19 updates, found under the 2021-22 School Year tab. Another reminder was shared for parents and community members to participate in the district’s latest Thought Exchange, answering “What are the most important things to consider as we begin to plan for our upcoming budget”? Thought Exchange is an online discussion platform used to help us gain feedback from our community on important topics.
Central PTSA was thanked for co-sponsoring the upcoming Parent University event, Technology Balance: Parenting in the Digital Age, on January 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Spry cafetorium and also livestreamed. Mr. Neenan introduced Heather Balsamo and Brian Powers. Heather Balsamo gave an elementary update. She spoke about collaboration amongst staff in our elementary buildings and their support for our children. PTSA purchased sleds for DeWitt that the children are enjoying, Grade 5 students are participating in the Mission to Mars program, school spirit days, projects related to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the joy of having band and orchestra back in school, Buddy classrooms, teamwork, etc. Brian Powers, Willink Middle School Principal gave a secondary update. Collaboration efforts celebrated students back in action that were not possible last year, including concerts to showcase classroom learning, administrators served lunch to students at Spry, spirit week themes were tied to our assets, OWL middle school students took a trip to RMSC. Titan and Warrior days are taking place in the high schools transitioning 8th grade students to high school. Congratulations were extended to Mr. Rabinowitz for receiving the Golden Apple. Tammy Gurowski expressed thanks for the board’s learning walks. Despite all the challenges, it is reassuring to see kids learning and the happiness in their classrooms. Student Services and Supporting Mental Wellness Instructional Report Presenters: C. Armstrong, S. Stacy, S. DiBenedetto, J. Riesenberger Factors that shape young people’s mental health and impact daily life include: nature and genetics, relationships and the broader community. Students are experiencing their first “normal” school year and most are coping well. Research on pandemic response indicates people’s stress levels are returning to pre-pandemic levels. Webster CSD has been proactive in mental health staffing. The elementary level has four new social workers and one new school psychologist. The secondary level has four new social workers and two new school psychologists. WCSD is entering the third year of the comprehensive annual school counseling plan for grades 6-12. Counselors meet individually or in small groups to review progress. Community collaborations and what they offer to staff and students include: work with the Rochester Regional Behavioral Health expansion, Dr. Bryan Harrison, the University of Rochester, WHEN, and Partners in Restorative Initiatives. A packet was shared with quotes from students, parents, and teachers on their reflections about the district’s mental health services, including the benefits of having additional mental health staff. Middle and high school core teams include a social worker, school psychologist, school counselor, and an administrator who meet once a week. Students shared how they have been helped by their school counselor and student center in a video message. A roadmap with long term goals and the Multi Tiered Systems of Support framework was described. M. Alt motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to approve the Student Services Mental Wellness Instructional Report. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. BOARD BUSINESS September 2021 Treasurer's Report Assistant Superintendent Freeman highlighted key items on the September 2021 Treasurer’s Report. J. Richardson motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to approve the September 2021 Treasurer’s Report. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Updated Substitute Rates Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the updated substitute rates due to other districts in the county elevating their rates and for our remaining competitive. S. LaDelfa motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to approve the updated substitute rates. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Capital Project Bid Acceptance - Transportation Facility Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the bid results for the capital project approved in December 2018. Bids were accepted for General Construction, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Site Work, and Fuel Island installation. The lowest responsible bidders are: General Contractor: Massa Construction Inc., Mechanical Contractor: Pipitone Enterprises, LLC, Electrical Contract: Billitier Electric Inc., Plumbing Contract: Lloyd Mechanical, Inc., LLC, Site Contract: DiFiore Construction, Fuel Contract: L & O Mechanical Contractors. J. Birdsong-Ng motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to accept the capital project bids for the Transportation facility. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No.
Food Service Contract Approval Assistant Superintendent Freeman highlighted the changes on the Food Service collective bargaining agreement effective July 1, 2022. J. Richardson motioned, M. Rigillo seconded to approve the Food Service collective bargaining unit contract. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. BOCES Instructional Technology Lease Agreement 2021-2022 Assistant Superintendent Freeman highlighted the BOCES Instructional Technology lease agreement details. RESOLVED: The District is authorized to enter into an agreement with Monroe #1 BOCES (the “Installment Purchase Agreement”) under the terms of which: BOCES will purchase the Equipment; the District will be entitled to use the Equipment; and the District will be obligated to pay Monroe #1 BOCES for the use of the Equipment. The District’s superintendent is hereby authorized to approve the final form and terms of the Installment Purchase Agreement and to execute and deliver to Monroe #1 BOCES, on behalf of the District, the Installment Purchase Agreement and such other agreements, documents, certificates and instruments as the superintendent determines are necessary to secure the use of the Equipment, to fulfill the District'’ obligations under the terms of the Installment Purchase Agreement, and to address the terms and intent of this resolution. This resolution shall take effect when adopted. M. Alt motioned, J. Richardson seconded to approve the BOCES Instructional Technology Lease Agreement. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Extraclassroom Activities Audit Approval and Corrective Actions Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the results of the Extraclassroom audit and corrective actions. M. Rigillo motioned, J. Richardson seconded to approve the Extraclassroom Audit and Corrective Actions. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. Federal Single Audit Approval Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the results of the Federal Single Audit. This audit focused on the CARES Act (original funding) and school lunch program reimbursements. M. Alt motioned, J. Richardson seconded to approve the Federal Single Audit. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. BOARD REPORTS: School Liaison Reports: Mike Alt reported that Plank North meets tomorrow. Maria Rigillo reported that DeWitt has been selected to participate in the nation’s report card assessment, the district has a partnership with Bivona Child Advocacy Center who will present to students in February re: awareness and signs of abuse Maria Rigillo reported that Plank South’s Science fair will be held March 31, an upcoming book fair, Bivona Child Advocacy Center will present to students in February about signs of abuse. Kindergarten registration opens January 24 and the link will be updated on our website. We are very grateful to all of our schools’ PTSAs. Vice President Richardson reported that Klem South meets tomorrow. President Gurowski reported that some of Schlegel’s winter events are being moved to the spring. Bingo for Books will be held in April, a VIP dance on May 13, a Fun Run in June, and they are looking for people to take on committee and leadership roles next year. Linda Dioguardi reported that Spry meets tomorrow. Schroeder met last week. Thanks to Stacie Peters for bringing in guest speakers each month. Beckie Saiff and staff members spoke about the GOAL program’s success, building on their strong staff and student relationships. Warrior day was incredible for current and future students. PTSA is looking for someone to build tables for their courtyard. Jennifer Birdsong-Ng reported that she and Shanna attended Thomas’ PTSA. Kids have reacclimating to school, college selection is taking place for seniors, teachers are feeling a better sense of normalcy, an upcoming job fair, the hot cocoa/coffee event was greatly appreciated thanks to the cafeteria staff, etc. Shanna LaDelfa reported on how appreciative and polite Thomas students were. The kids love the therapy pets. Klem North’s library renovations are finishing, they discussed openings for key positions, teacher appreciation for the 12 days of kindness, reminder about report cads coming home in February, March parent/teacher conferences. Bingo night will be virtual and upcoming fundraisers.
Tammy Gurowski reported that Info Exchange met last week re: harassment law and claims. Steering committee meets next week. Brian and Tammy participated in Zoom calls with our new legislators and are grateful for their support. Linda Dioguardi reported that Labor Relations meets tomorrow re: the SuperEval tool. Jennifer Birdsong-Ng reported that Legislative Committee discussed staff shortages, ways to incentivize staff, the legislative breakfast in February, supplies for COVID, etc. CONSENT AGENDA J. Richardson motioned, J. Birdsong-Ng seconded to approve Consent Agenda items C-H as recommended by the Superintendent including: C.Minutes from 2021-12-07 Regular Business Meeting, Minutes from 2021-12-14 Executive Session, Minutes from 2022-01-04 Workshop Meeting, D. Personnel Actions: Certified Probationary, Certified Regular Substitute, Classified Appointments, Adjustments, Additional Assignments, Leaves of Absence, Resignations, E. Recommendations of the Committee on Special Education 2021-2022 Meetings: Annual Review Meetings, Annual/Re-eval. Meetings, Initial Eligibility Determination Meetings, Program Reviews, Amendment Agreement No Meeting, Requested Review Transfer Student, F. Recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education Meetings: October 6, 27, 2021, November 10, 17, 23, 2021, December 1, 8, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22 and 23, 2021, G. Coop Bid: 2022 Lunch Paper and Plastic Supplies, H. Coop Bid: 2022 Food Service Equipment Repair. Vote: 7: Yes; 0: No. VISITOR’S SPEAKING TIME Jennifer Fonseca commented on various denied FOIL requests, CARES Act/American Rescue Act funds received, what is comprised in the expenditures and a recommendation that the district review COVID data. David Ruiz shared his views about not hiring another administrator for Diversity per recommendations at the last meeting, flexibility with respect to Covid changes, masking and vaccines, costs, etc. ADJOURNMENT M. Alt motioned, J. Richardson seconded to Adjourn the Meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:31 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.