The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Finance Meeting held Thursday, March 21, 2019 was called to order at 6:00pm.
PRESENT: Marcia Ricci, Tammi Dehler, Jamie Maloney, Jack Catanzarita, Carolyn Bell, David Lee (6:25)
ABSENT: Kory Galuski
ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Pomerville, Carol Lyon, Christopher Scanlan, Jennifer Bull, Joel Richardson, Joseph Siracuse (6:45), Rebecca Baldwin, Meghan Needer.
Presentation: Saratoga County Mental Health Services
Saratoga Center for the Family - Student Empowerment Services at WHUFSD.pdf
Mr. Scanlan introduced Rebecca Baldwin and Meghan Needer from Saratoga Center for the Family. There is a growing trend of mental health concerns for school age children in our community that is becoming heavier and more alarming. Mr. Scanlan and Ms. DiFabio have researched many different routes to address this problem. They found a unique, cost effective model of support services at Saratoga Center for the Family. The district’s goal is to bring a full-time mental health counselor into the building to work with children and families at the K - 12 level. The group connects parents and student to licensed therapists and assists in navigating the health insurance system. The program also has access to grants. The total cost for the district would be $35,000 annually. The mental health counselor would be a Saratoga Center for the Family employee working on-site here in the Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD.
Board members engaged Ms. Needer with questions about the program.
The Center would work directly with the district to hire the counselor. Students would be recommended to the program by a teacher or administrator or a student could initiate the process. The time line to get children into the program would depend on the caseload, typically less than a month or sooner if the need is urgent.
Parents have expressed their need for help as they run into road-blocks in their search for a qualified licensed therapist and problems with insurance companies. The district will continue to offer counseling services provided by our staff of certified school counselors. Contracting with Saratoga Center for the Family would be an added service. The Center offers flexible hours for parents during the day and in the evening, as well as 200 clinical hours during the summer.
Mr. Pomerville reviewed some of the costs associated with out-of-school suspensions or placements in medical facilities. Travel time to therapy sessions during the school day is also an issue. A goal of providing mental health services in district would be to keep students in school.
Saratoga Center for the Family currently works with Shenendehowa, South Glens Falls and Scotia Glenville. They are an advocacy group linked with the Office of Victims and Missing Persons and are all trauma trained professionals. They would be available to start mid-August.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A discussion followed between Board members and administrators on the new look of the warrants and the scheduling of HS Graduation on a weekday.
Presentation: 2019 - 2020 District Budget, Mr. Pomerville
Finance Workshop Presentation, March 21, 2019 (1).pdf
The Board asked many questions on updates to the budget.
Proposed new purchases (e.g., salt spreader) originally included in the 2019 - 2020 budget could be purchased in the 2018 - 2019 school year effectively reducing the proposed 2019 - 2020 budget. Those items will not decrease the fund balance roll-over amount due to cost reductions for other items. Savings in the instructional category were made in anticipation of one retirement and one resignation. Savings were also realized as students return to the district from Charter Schools. There is no need for a bus lease for the 2019 - 2020 school year. The district received two sources of revenue: one for $270,000 from a WSWHE BOCES surplus payment and one for $27,000 for an adjustment requested in 2011 from New York State. Those amounts were applied to the 2019-2020 budget addressing one-time purchases. That money will not be applied to ongoing programming because it won’t be replicated in future budgets. Mr. Catanzarita asked for a five-year budget comparison. There is currently a freeze on spending for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year.
All of the proposed reductions and increases in revenue, together with the anticipation of increased funding from the State of New York, narrowed the budget gap allowing for a 0.46% tax increase. Mr. Pomerville asked the Board for their opinion regarding the setting of he 2019-2020 tax levy. The Finance Committee is looking to set the tax levy at 1.79%. A discussion followed on how tight this budget is and the allowance for a minimal cushion. All new items that were initially in the budget remain in the budget, including the cost of contracting with Saratoga Center for the Family for mental health services. The Board will officially vote to adopt the 2019 - 2020 budget at it’s April 18th meeting, prior to the public vote on May 21st.
The Board discussed the condition of the school parking lot and the cost to repair or replace in a future capital project. The Board cannot go ahead with plans for this project because the district is still paying building aide on a previous parking lot replacement.
Mrs. Lyon announced that bids were opened to hire a new external auditing firm. Two companies participated in the bidding process: Marvin and Company. Latham, NY and a Rochester, NY firm. Mrs. Lyon recommended Marvin and Company. They currently work with Niskayuna and Guilderland and would cost the same as our current auditing firm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Waterford -Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Regular Meeting held Thursday, March 21, 2019 was called to order at 7:04pm.
PRESENT: Marcia Ricci, Tammi Dehler, Jamie Maloney, Jack Catanzarita, Carolyn Bell, David Lee
ABSENT: Kory Galuski
ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Pomerville, Carol Lyon, Christopher Scanlan, Jennifer Bull, Joel Richardson, Joseph Siracuse
There were no comments from residents and staff regarding items on this evening’s action agenda
Comments from Administration
Mr. Richardson announced that the third year of the DARE drug resistance education program, for students in grade 8, has begun. There are benefits to reinforce what they learned in fifth grade about making good choices in dealing with drugs and alcohol as they get older are exposed to more situations.
The Brain Show will be held next Friday for students in K - 8. NYS testing begins April 1st. New York Sate grades 3 - 8 computer based testing has expanded this year and will be mandatory in the future.
Mrs. Bull reported on the many workshops offered during the Superintendent’s Conference Day on May 18th. Feedback is being collected and reviewed for future planning. Elementary teachers had follow-up training for I-Ready, Benchmarks and online instruction. Curriculum Cabinet meetings continue to focus on Next Generation Standards.
Mr. Scanlan announced that Mrs. Reynolds was named Teacher of Year at the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYSAHPERD). Mrs. Reynolds is currently the Vice President of that organization. Congratulations Meghan! Many high school students attended a dance last Friday night and everyone had a great time.
Mr. Siracuse reported the second trimester ended earlier this month and report cards are going home on Friday. Second grade students are learning about the Albany Pine Bush and the Karner Blue Butterfly. Students will go to the Preserve in the spring. Saratoga Opera will be here at school next Thursday to perform and interact with the students. The Brain Show is returning next week. Students raised money to support the Heart Association. Mr. Hayes sponsored the Change for Change fund raising event for children in Ethiopia and raised $500. New PBIS banners with student pictures promoting the four B’s will be hung in the school encouraging students to Be Positive, Be Resourceful, Be Respectful, Be Kind.
Mr. Pomerville reported on the Superintendent’s Conference Day held March 18th noting 77 concurrent sessions with 18 presenters including the Waterford Rescue Squad, BOCES Technology personnel and many others. Presenters focused on STEM initiatives, academics, safety and wellness..
Board members agreed to meet on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 7:00am to vote on the WSWHE BOCES budget and to elect BOCES Board of Education members.
Mr. Pomerville and Mrs. Ricci will attend the WSWHE BOCES Annual Meeting on April 3rd. The Board will be asked to approve the appointment of Marvin and Company as external auditors on April 4th.
The next Board of Education Facilities meeting will be held on Thursday, March 28th at 5:00pm. The topic will be a new capital project. Administrators, Mr. Popolizio and others will be in attendance.
ACTION
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the minutes of the March 7, 2019 Board of Education meeting.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Treasurer’s Report ending February 2019. The Chase Card Services Refund indicated a NYSSBA Convention Credit.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Revenue Budget Status Report ending February 2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Appropriation Status Report ending February 2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Student Funds Report ending February 2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Annual Meeting Notice for the May 21, 2019 Budget Vote and Board of Education Election.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of the following people to work the polls for the May 21, 2019 Budget Vote and Board of Education Election for a stipend of $100 each: Jeanne Lobravico, Mary Jane Rooney, Mary Comitale, Mae Neary.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 5 - 0 - 1 (Mrs. Bell abstained) the Board approved the of Mark Bell as Voting Machine Inspector for the May 21, 2019 Budget Vote and Board of Education Election; for a stipend of $300.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved an increase in hours for Kim Hilton, Teacher Aide, from 6 hours to 6 hours and 15 minutes per day, effective March 8, 2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Jenifer Hammond as substitute 0.27FTE Academic Intervention Service Teacher at St. Mary’s School effective March 27, 2019 through the end of the 2019-2020 school year; salary per the WTA contract.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following coaching appointment for the 2018 - 2019 school year; salary per the WTA contract on a pro-rated basis as determined by the actual percentage of the season coached: Andrew Foster, Modified Softball.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following volunteer assistant coaching appointments for the 2018 - 2019 school year: Michael Tafel, Modified Softball, Billy Kelts, Modified Baseball, Eric Fanniff, Modified Baseball.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following elementary substitute teachers for the 2018 - 2019 school year; salary per the WTA contract: Anne Bayruns, Daniel Charbonneau, Chloe Charles, Ronald Gardner, Jr., Ambreen Ibrar, Ilyse Levine, Kevin McKearn, Michael Rankin, Ariana Settles.
The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 2/27/2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the second request from Mike Robbins, Athletic Director, to take students from grades 7 - 12 to Cooperstown on May 17, 2019. WHHS vs. Cambridge on Doubleday Field at 10am; team departs Waterford at 6:30am; students at 8:15am; return to school at 4:30pm. PTO is paying the cost for most of the transportation.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the initial request from Noreen Gervasio, to investigate a trip to the Bronx Zoo on June 14, 2019 for students in grades 7 and 8.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following construction change orders:
•
Kasselman Electric Co., Inc., #4-003 for $1,950; labor and material for additional door security components and credit for key fob.
•
Bast Hatfield Construction, LLC, #1-006 for $69,123.97; labor and material to replace existing doors; credit for unused portion of bid item #1.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the construction re-bid from Gallo Construction for the $100,000 Capital Outlay - Door Replacement Project opened on March 7, 2019; in the amount of $91,000; see attached:
•
Base Bid: $57,000
•
Alternate #1: $4,000
•
Alternate #2: $16,000
•
Half of Alternate #3: $14,000
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the construction bid from Gallo Construction as Contract #5 to Phase 1C in the amount of $42,000; see attached:
•
Half of Alternate #3: $14,000
•
Alternate #4: $28,000
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the scheduling of a Board of Education Facilities Planning Meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 5:00pm.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following warrants:
Capital Fund #13 for $145,647.54
School Lunch #17 for $4,048.49
Special Aid #30 for $2,089.63
General Fund #101 for $410,626.08
General Fund #103 for $8,190.64
School Lunch #18 for $1,933.57
Special Aid #31 for $500.00
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following health service contracts for students attending non-public schools: North Greenbush, 6 students @ $231.29 for a total of $1,387.74.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the resignation of Danielle Coleman, as Elementary Art Teacher, effective June 30, 2019.
The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 2/26/2019, 3/4/2019, 3/5/2019, 3/7/2019
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the 2019 - 2020 school district calendar.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the second request from Mrs. Russo to take the 5th and 6th grade students to the Mets vs. Giants game on June 6, 2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the a five day unpaid leave for Kathy Prock, Cook/Manger.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Nicole Spulnick and Debra Ford as SAT Prep teachers for the 2018 - 2019 school year; salary per the WTA contract.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board authorized the District participate in the Cooperative Purchasing Program coordinated by WSWHE BOCES for the 2019 - 2020 school year for the following commodities: bread products, ice cream, milk, canned-frozen meat, produce, net-off -invoice food products, cafeteria products, custodial products, copy paper/envelopes.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board went into executive session at 7:28pm to discuss negotiations. They returned to regular session at 7:45 and adjourned.
Julie Caulkins
District Clerk