The regular meeting of the Warsaw Central School Board of Education was called to order at        

6:30 p.m. in the Elementary School Building by Mr. Robb, Board President.

Members Present:  Mr. Robb, Mrs. Royce, Mr. Grover, Mrs. Tangeman, Mr. Tarbell,

Mrs. Baker, Mr. Youngers

Members Absent:  None

Others Present:  Mr. Wilkins, Ms. Grisewood, Mrs. Monahan, Mrs. Burnham, Mr. Ellis,

Mrs. D’Amico, Mr. Webb, Mrs. Statler, Mr. Gayford, Mr. Barks, Mrs. Conley

Mr. Robb led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Students’ Presentation about Vaping – Postponed.

Individual Arts Assessment Pathway (IAAP) Presentation – Mrs. Statler and Mr. Gayford presented the model plan of how the arts pathway (music & art) can take the place of one Regents exam and count toward graduation requirements.  They explained the course work development that begins in 9^th grade and continues through 12^th grade.  The pilot program will start out small; with a few students interested in going that direction and will expand as they go.  They, along with Mrs. Monahan, answered questions from the Board.

Director of Special Services Report – Mrs. Burnham discussed Special Services classes that are provided in the Elementary and Middle High Schools, as well as outside placements.  She explained there are Special Education Consultant Teachers who push into general education classes and assist students, there are also smaller special self-contained classes available for those students who need them; the district has been able to bring some students that were previously in outside placements at BOCES and Letchworth CSD, back to these classes in Warsaw.  She noted that she has received positive reports from students, staff and parents about this change.  Mrs. Burnham also reviewed special education and related services staffing.  She noted that providing services for home and center-based self-contained classes for pre-school special education students (ages 3-4) has been challenging.  There has been a decrease in providers’ availability due to an increase in the number of needs and a decrease in the number of outside placements available to students as recommended.  This is a state and national challenge.  Mrs. Burnham stated the district’s State Reporting Indicators this year are Indicators 13 and 14, which deal with secondary transitions and post-school outcomes.

Moved by Mr. Grover, seconded by Mrs. Tangeman that the Board approve the minutes for the meeting of December 12, 2023, as written.  Motion Carried:  Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0.

Mr. Wilkins reported that a draft of the 2024-25 school calendar has been created and he will meet soon with Central Study to review it and plan the unused emergency give back days and get it ready for Board approval. 

He discussed the Workplace Violence Prevention Policy Statement that is designed to meet the requirements of New York State Labor Law.  It requires assessments, a formal plan and training for all employees.                          Mr. Wilkins stated the district continues to allocate ARP ESSER funds spending to be completed by September 30, 2024.                                                                                                                                                                    He also discussed the policy manual reviews planned with the Policy Committee.                                                He shared information about the social media litigation engagement letter that he will forward to the Board.  It’s about the negative effects of social media on children.  If the district chooses to get involved and move forward, it can be approved at the next meeting.                                                                                                                    Mr. Wilkins invited the Board members and administrative staff to the Legislative Leadership Day and Excellence in Student Services Awards Presentation at Byron-Bergan Central School on Saturday, January 20, 2024 9am-12:45pm.  He noted that Warsaw’s FFA Club has been nominated for a Student Services Award.            Lastly, Mr. Wilkins gave an update on the Capital Improvement Project.  As of December 20, 2023, the schematic design phase was 30% completed and will be nearly 60% completed in January.  The checks and balances show we are on track with the scope of the work and the budget is a bit under due to some roofing that is not needed, so the funds can be reallocated to other areas such as the Ag room.  This will all be submitted to the SED in May, 2024 and we will expect to hear of approval in October or November.  It will be sent out to bid in November or December and construction can start in January, 2025 and should be completed in December, 2026.  He stated the architects and construction manager’s team has been very efficient.      

Moved by Mrs. Royce, seconded by Mrs. Tangeman that the Board declare the following items obsolete and authorize disposal in accordance with state law and Board policy.

2006 Ford Pickup with Plow and Lift-Gate

100 LED 4’ Bulbs

Chiller Salad Bar asset number 000095

Wall Mats

Voting Machine asset number 2007-000190

Motion Carried:  Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mrs. Baker, seconded by Mr. Youngers that the Board accept, with appreciation, the following donations:

$750.00 from the Warsaw Village Police Department used to provide 14 families with Christmas dinner, a sport ball of some kind and a family activity (ex. cards or games).

$200.00 from C&F bus drivers used to provide families in need with clothes, cleaning supplies and snacks for the holiday season.

$200.00 additional donation in memory of W. Jerome Smith to be used for the Warsaw Central Vocal Music Department. 

$1,700.00 from Cornell University; an agriculture education grant to help purchase an AlumiCoop.

Motion Carried:  Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mrs. Tangeman, seconded by Mr. Grover that the Board appoint Mrs. Royce as Clerk Pro Tem for the remainder of the Board Meeting.  Motion Carried:  Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0.

The District Clerk was dismissed at 7:05 p.m. and the following took place as recorded by Mrs. Royce, Clerk Pro Tem.

Tawnnee Conley

District Clerk

Moved by Mr. Grover, seconded by Mr. Tarbell that the Board enter Executive Session at 7:05 p.m. for the purpose of discussing collective negotiations pursuant to article 14 of Civil Service Law.  Motion Carried:  Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mrs. Tangeman, seconded by Mrs. Baker that the Board resume regular session at 7:12 p.m.  Motion Carried:  Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mrs. Royce, seconded by Mr. Tarbell that the Board approve the special education placements recommendations, as follows:

                               (A) = Amendment Agreement – No Meeting

Motion Carried:  Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0

Moved by Mr. Tarbell, seconded by Mr. Grover that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve Personnel Schedule 566, as proposed.  Motion Carried:  Yes 6, No 0, Abstain 1 (Royce).

Moved by Mrs. Baker, seconded by Mr. Youngers that the regular meeting of the Warsaw Central School Board of Education be adjourned at 7:13 p.m.; subject to the call of the President.  Motion Carried:  Yes 7, No 0, Abstain 0.

Mrs. Gail E. Royce

Clerk Pro Tem

The regular meeting of the Warsaw Central School Board of Education was called to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Elementary School Building by Mr. Robb, Board President.

Members Present:  Mr. Robb, Mrs. Tangeman, Mr. Grover, Mr. Tarbell, Mr. Youngers           

Members Absent:  Mrs. Royce, Mrs. Baker

Others Present:  Mr. Wilkins, Mrs. Monahan, Mrs. D’Amico, Mr. Webb, Mrs. Sheer, Mrs. Dickes, Mrs. Harwood, Mrs. Youngers, Ms. Conable, Ms. Robb, Parent and Several Students, Mrs. Conley

Mr. Robb led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Students’ Presentation about Vaping – Four Students from the Warsaw CSD Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) group began their presentation with the anti-vaping audio ad that they recorded and is currently running periodically on the local WCJW radio station until January 31^st.  It also promotes the Clear the Air Health Fair/Winter Carnival on February 9, 2024 6-7:30pm at the YMCA hosted by the Wyoming County Health Department.  The students also provided informative data about the products, marketing, accessibility, culture and dangers of vaping.  They shared their desire to inform and help fellow students break the addictive habit through rehabilitation/counseling, educational and local resources, parental involvement and by changing the cultural mindset that it’s not okay.  The students also explained the study that Roswell Cancer Center is conducting via their E-cigarette collection campaign.  This study aims to determine what products are most popular among WNY youth and characterize the ingredients found within them to inform the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the potential harm of these products.     

Class of 2028 - 8^th Grade Trip Presentation – Three 8^th grade students presented information about the two-day and one-night stay in Sandusky, OH.  The trip includes stops at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Greater Cleveland Aquarium and Cedar Point Amusement Park.  Mrs. Dickes explained that the cost of the previously approved 8^th grade trip to Boston was going to be nearly $700 per student because only about 30 students from the class were planning to attend.  She noted that after surveying families, the cost was going to affect the overall number of attendees causing the number to drop below 30.  Therefore, she reached out to the travel agency and was able to plan a trip to Ohio for $440 (with security provided) per student.  This is with the expectation that at least 30 students will attend.

Moved by Mr. Tarbell, seconded by Mrs. Tangeman that the Board of Education approve the change of the Class of 2028 - 8^th Grade Class Trip from Boston, MA and approve the Class of 2028 - 8^th Grade Class Trip request for an overnight trip to Sandusky, OH May 15-16, 2024, as proposed.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

FFA Trip Presentation – The FFA President and Vice-President discussed the State Leaders’ Experience in Albany, NY where they will be participating in personal leadership and advocacy training.  They will have opportunities to present to lawmakers and influencers, and contribute to discussions of issues shaping the future of agriculture, education and FFA in NY.

Members of the FFA Club and their Advisor also attended the Legislative Leadership Day on Saturday, at the Byron-Bergen Central School where they received an Excellence in Student Services Award; Mr. Youngers presented them with the award plaque.

Moved by Mr. Youngers, seconded by Mrs. Tangeman that the Board of Education approve the FFA Trip Request for an overnight trip to the State Leaders’ Experience in Albany, NY February 5-6, 2024, as proposed.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mr. Grover, seconded by Mrs. Tangeman that the Board approve the minutes for the meeting of January 9, 2024, as written.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

The Board reviewed the lists of bills dated December 22, 2023, and January 5, 2024.

The Board reviewed the Appropriation Status Report and Revenue Status Reports for November 2023 and December 2023.

Moved by Mr. Grover, seconded by Mr. Tarbell that the Board accept the Treasurer’s Reports as of November 2023 and December 2023.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mrs. Tangeman, seconded by Mr. Grover that the Board accept the Extra-Curricular Treasurer’s Reports for 10/1/23 - 12/31/23.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Mr. Wilkins reported that he, Mr. Robb, Mr. Grover, Mr. Youngers and Mr. Webb, along with the Warsaw FFA Club and their Advisor, Mrs. Harwood, attended the Legislative Leadership Day on Saturday, January 20, 2024 where the FFA club received the Excellence in Student Services Award.  He stated the Superintendents’ message was focused on funding and foundation aid.  Warsaw has been hit with a .04% reduction, which is about a $4000 cut.

He noted that some area schools have been hit hard.  He is not sure where this will go.  He announced that Dr. Rick Timbs is doing a presentation in Avon on 2/13/24 to help people understand the tax cap, electric buses, foundation aid, etc.  Mr. Wilkins invited any Board members who would like to attend as well.

Audit Committee – Has not met recently

Finance Committee – Met on January 17, 2024

Policy Committee – Working on setting up policy reviews.

Technology Committee – Met yesterday, January 22, 2024, and reviewed CBT simulations in grades 3-5 to troubleshoot and be ready for testing in the spring.

Mrs. Monahan discussed new digital fluency standards for 2025 and staff are working on it.  She also talked with the committee about the NIST assessment; a high-level cybersecurity framework to keep it as tight as possible. 

She stated they addressed budget items; mostly hardware expenditures. 

The district has also received 100% of software companies’ 3^rd party contracts. 

Mrs. Monahan reported that Raptor, our cybersecurity company, had a review done recently and it was determined that a vulnerability was identified and perhaps some student personal identification information (PII) may have been exposed, but there was no determination if it was accessed.  She explained that a letter addressing the issue was posted on the school website and the district filed a cybersecurity report with the state.  She received word back that they are in good shape unless they hear something more. 

Mrs. Monahan also stated that they are working with Parent Square to update the district website and will start the beginning phases in February.

Fire Inspection Report Reviewed.

Moved by Mr. Grover, seconded by Mrs. Tangeman that the Board of Education accept the fire inspection report for January 11, 2024, as presented.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mr. Tarbell, seconded by Mr. Youngers that the Board approve the Social Media Litigation Engagement Letter Agreement with Frantz Law Group, APLC and Hodgson Russ LLP, as proposed, and authorize the Superintendent to execute said agreement. 

Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mr. Tarbell, seconded by Mr. Youngers that the Board approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ON PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL MEDIA LITIGATION

WHEREAS, this Board of Education is aware that for many years interactive technologies have been made available to the public to facilitate the creation and sharing of content, ideas, interests and other forms of expression through virtual communities and networks; and

WHEREAS, this Board has also come to learn that over time social media platforms can become addictive, particularly among our youth; and

WHEREAS, this Board has become aware that certain Big Tech companies have intentionally created addictive platforms specifically designed to hook student audiences by designing algorithms to maximize company revenues by increasing usage without regard to the harm suffered by students as a result of such usage; and

WHEREAS, these tech products, designed to hook young users into compulsive use, have taken a heavy toll on today's youth, whereby they face unprecedented levels of severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression, eating disorders and suicidal ideation, and with so many students in turmoil, schools have had to divert crucial resources to help them; and

WHEREAS, on May 23, 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a public advisory that social media could have a profound risk of harm on the health of children and adolescents; and

WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children's Hospital Association have all declared child and adolescent mental health a national emergency; and

WHEREAS this School District and other School Districts around the country have had to hire additional counselors, develop resources and train staff to handle the burgeoning number of students succumbing to what best can be described as a youth mental health crisis; and

WHEREAS, a number of other school districts have filed or will be filing legal claims in the Northern District of California against a number of social media companies, such as TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Google and their parent companies, seeking restitution for expenses incurred and the funds necessary to provide ongoing student support and changes to the platforms to make them less addictive;

NOW, THEREFORE, this Board of Education hereby authorizes the following:

1. That this School District file and join claims in the Multi-District Litigation pending in the Northern District of California to recoup damages against students and the District inflicted by social media companies;

2. That this Board appoint the following law firms to represent the District's interests in this matter;

                a. The Frantz Group ALPC (San Diego, California); and

b. Hodgson Russ LLP (Buffalo, New York)

3. That the Superintendent of Schools and Administrative Staff of this District be and hereby are directed to cooperate with the appointed attorneys to gather the necessary data and take other required actions needed to assist the law firms in representing the foregoing interests of the District; and

4. This District will expend no resources or funds for its participation in this litigation, other than the personnel time necessary to gather the data needed to participate in this litigation.

Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mrs. Tangeman, seconded by Mr. Grover that the Board declare the attached list of library books obsolete and authorize disposal in accordance with state law and Board policy. Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mr. Tarbell, seconded by Mr. Grover that the Board appoint Mrs. Tangeman as Clerk Pro Tem for the remainder of the Board Meeting.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

The District Clerk was dismissed at 7:15 p.m. and the following took place as recorded by Mrs. Tangeman, Clerk Pro Tem.

Tawnnee Conley

District Clerk

Moved by Mr. Grover, seconded by Mr. Youngers that the Board enter Executive Session at 7:15 p.m. for the purpose of discussing collective negotiations pursuant to article 14 of Civil Service Law.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mr. Grover, seconded by Mr. Youngers that the Board resume regular session at 7:45 p.m.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mr. Tarbell, seconded by Mr. Grover that the Board approve the special education placement recommendations, as follows:

(A) = Amendment Agreement – No Meeting

Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mr. Tarbell, seconded by Mr. Grover that the Board approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, pursuant to New York State Education Law §3012-c and Subpart 30-2 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, The District is required to adopt an Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Plan; and

WHEREAS, §30-2.9 of the Commissioner’s Regulations require that any individual serving as lead evaluator of Teachers in this District be certified by the Board of Education as a qualified lead evaluator of Teachers; and

WHEREAS, to qualify for certification as a lead evaluator of Teachers an individual shall successfully complete a training course that meets the minimum requirements prescribed in §30-2.9(b) of the Commissioner’s regulations; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has reviewed the training record of Scott Hoornbeck,  Jeremiah Clifford and;

WHEREAS Scott Hoornbeck, Jeremiah Clifford have met the minimum requirements; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the District hereby certifies Scott Hoornbeck, Jeremiah Clifford as lead evaluator of Teachers for the 2023-24 school year.

Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mr. Tarbell, seconded by Mr. Youngers that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve Personnel Schedule 567, as proposed.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Moved by Mr. Grover, seconded by Mr. Tarbell that the regular meeting of the Warsaw Central School Board of Education be adjourned at 7:46 p.m.; subject to the call of the President.  Motion Carried:  Yes 5, No 0, Abstain 0.

Mrs. Lisa C. Tangeman

Clerk Pro Tem