Minutes 120721 Final.pdf

The December 7, 2021 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President T. Gurowski at 5:00 p.m. at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road, Webster, NY in the Auditorium. There was a quorum. M. Rigillo motioned, M. Alt seconded to enter executive session for the purpose of discussing the employment history of a particular person or corporation. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. Board members met in Chorus room 120. Attendees: Board members, B. Neenan, B. Freeman, E. Land, D. Swinson. B. Neenan, B. Freeman, E. Land and D. Swinson attended until 5:31 p.m. The December 7, 2021 Regular Business meeting of the Webster Board of Education was called to order by President T. Gurowski at 6:02 p.m. in the Thomas High School Auditorium. There was a quorum. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. S. LaDelfa motioned, L. Dioguardi seconded to move out of Executive Session. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. The agenda was reviewed and remained unchanged. Student Liaison Reports Webster Thomas Lauryn W. updated board members on Webster Thomas’ activities including: giving back to our community at the House of Mercy, math league success, the ROC for change event program topics, the next TIES (Together Including Every Student) meeting is next Friday at 3:00 p.m., the select choir’s performance at the NYSSMA conference and Ms. Nitsch’s award. Charisma F. reported that several students are applying at MCC and will participate in a walkthrough in the spring. GeoTech students are finishing up the outdoor classroom at DeWitt and an update will be given at the next BOE meeting. Concert and sport success updates were also shared. Webster Schroeder Michael R. updated board members on Webster Schroeder’s activities including: students participated in the Sources of Strength program training, the successful Link crew event, Math League completed their second competition, and Brockport instant decision was held and several students have been accepted. Brooke C. gave an update on winter concerts, Mr. Christman thanked the board for seeing the Schroeder Theatre Company showcase, speech and debate team success, and NHS members wrote over 250 gratitude cards to Veterans for Veterans Day. WTA Liaison Report Joan Bardanis reported on observations taking place between our youngest (UPK) and oldest students; teachers and students were very pleased. November 13 was World Kindness Day and DeWitt donated several items to the Hope House, the Jewish House of Rochester, and the Maplewood Nursing home. Several buildings are collecting donations for the holidays and WTA is very passionate about this endeavor. Jen Strege and the Spry Cross-Country team gave out pumpkins after their 6th grade Pumpkin Run and Schroeder physics students participated in an

COR Holt Road Commons Assistant Superintendent Freeman reviewed the tax certiorari details for COR Holt Road Commons. The Board of Education agrees to settle the tax certiorari proceeding commenced by COR Holt Road 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, effective immediately. L. Dioguardi motioned, J. Richardson seconded to approve the tax certiorari settlement agreement resolution with COR Holt Road Commons. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0.

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Audit Committee: No report. Policy Committee: It will likely take one year for the full update from Erie 1 BOCES. Budget Advisory Committee: We are working on new ideas utilizing Thought Exchange and different mediums with the community to gain input and provide education. The audience was encouraged to attend and provide feedback. Strategic Planning: Survey questions are being reviewed prior to the survey administration in April. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sub Committee: They agreed upon their norms, participated in group circles and gained an understanding of the work through the culturally responsive sustaining education framework. School Community Committees: WHEN: They discussed the passing of the bill of legalizing marijuana and WHEN recommends that the town opt out of retail dispensaries. They are also forging relationships with community businesses. FIRE: They will meet this month with the steering committee and there will be a larger group meeting in January School Liaison Reports Klem North: Shanna reported that renovations continue, parent teacher conferences were held, a donation was made to the Hope House, and the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support presentation was made by the principal and assistant principal. State Road: Jennifer reported that they will meet next Monday. Schroeder: Linda reported that the school’s green club spoke about composting efforts, the Association of Teenage Diplomats attended, their foreign exchange student spoke about his positive experience, and the need for host families. There are fundraisers at DiBella’s and Woody Acres. Spry: Linda reported on the Veteran’s dinner and its impact on student and veteran connections. School 17 donations are being accepted, and a fundraiser at the newly opened Nourish. Plank South: Linda reported that PTSA is changing their meeting hours and will poll members, 5th graders will wrap the toys for School 17, the book fair will be held in February, they are looking into virtual author visits, and a Chipotle fundraiser. Schlegel: Tammy reported that holiday planning is in the works, making cards for three nursing homes, a collection of items for Hope House, and books for bingo logistics are being worked on.

Janice reported on the successful collection of hygiene products and non-perishable items for the Goodness Initiative, upcoming fundraisers at Chipotle, Panera and Yolickity and the next meeting on January 19. Willink: Maria reported there is no meeting in December. DeWitt: Maria reported that they meet December 13th. Thomas: Maria reported that they will meet in January. Plank North: Mike reported on student activities for world kindness day, the library is proceeding ahead of schedule. They are beginning the process to honor 5th grade students. In one classroom they made 99 birthday cards to help a veteran celebrate his 99th birthday. Consent Agenda J. Richardson motioned, M. Alt seconded to accept the Consent agenda as recommended by the Superintendent including Minutes: October 13, 2021 Executive Session Meeting, November 2, 2021 Regular Business Meeting, November 16 and 19, 2021 Executive Session, Personnel Actions: Certified Probationary, Certified Regular Substitute, Classified Appointments, Adjustments, Additional Assignments, Leaves of Absence, Resignations, Terminations, Recommendations of the Committee on Special Education Meetings 2021-2022, Recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education meetings, Coop Bid: 202122 Electricity Supply, Coop Bid: HVAC Repair and Maintenance Service as amended, Technology Education Trip to Japan over April break 2023. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0. Visitor Speaking Time Christina Bell wanted to raise awareness on the culturally responsive sustaining education framework established by New York State. She commented on the sexualization of children, their identity, what is being taught in the classroom, etc.

racial justice and equity, and how to help students grow as role models to lead. He recommended hiring a chief equity officer and outlined their responsibilities. Amy Stornelo spoke about needing a thoughtfully designed curriculum and awareness of our history to have dialogues, approach sensitive topics, and have essential conversations. She requests the board to consider establishing a diversity, equity, and inclusion assistant superintendent position. David Ruiz raised governance concerns, lack of transparency, and obtaining information from the district. He believes CRT should be inclusive of all opinions, and questioned the determination on his FOIL requests. Lauren West commented on an immediate need for a leader and department for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The leader should be at an assistant superintendent level and their responsibilities were outlined. Michelle Anderson spoke about her concerns about what is being taught in the classroom. She believes students are afraid to voice their opinions due to fear, and also shared concerns about some of the questions given to students in a survey. President Gurowski remarked that board members are grateful for our staff for educating students in the midst of a pandemic, and their resilience is truly remarkable. Lessons that are taught will include ways to exemplify tolerance and kindness. Wishes were extended for happy, safe, and healthy holidays, full of grace. ADJOURNMENT J. Richardson motioned, S. LaDelfa seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m. Vote: Yes: 7; No: 0.