The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Finance Meeting held Thursday, February 14, 2019 was called to order at 6:00pm by Mr. Pomerville.
PRESENT: Marcia Ricci, Jamie Maloney, David Lee, Carolyn Bell, Tammi Dehler
ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Pomerville, Carol Lyon, Joel Richardson, Jennifer Bull, Joseph Siracuse
ABSENT: Jack Catanzarita, Kory Galuski
First BOE Finance Committee Meeting of the 2019 - 2020 Budget Season
Mr. Pomerville presented a preliminary outline of the 2019 -2020 school district budget aligning the Board of Education goals with those of the administration and faculty. Mr. Pomerville previously met with administrators and department leaders to determine district needs for the coming school year using a conservative approach. Mr. Pomerville elaborated on the following topics:
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Key dates leading up the district budget vote on May 21, 2019
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New York State Outlook - a review of state aid formulas and funding projections
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Five Years in Review - district budget history
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Shaping the Budget:
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Proposed Facilities Upgrades/Additions
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Proposed Policies and Program Upgrades/Additions
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Public Relations and Communications
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Potential Impacts to the Budget
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Proposed upgrades and additions
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Estimated increases
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Use of Fund Balance
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Review of expenses and revenues
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Formula to determine the tax levy
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Balancing the Budget Gap: Potential Choices
Finance Meeting Presentation, February 14, 2019.pdf
The Finance Meeting adjourned at 6:55pm.
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The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education Regular Meeting held Thursday, February 14, 2019 was called to order at 7:00pm by Mrs. Ricci.
PRESENT: Marcia Ricci, Jamie Maloney, David Lee, Carolyn Bell, Tammi Dehler, Kory Galuski
ALSO PRESENT: Patrick Pomerville, Carol Lyon, Joel Richardson, Jennifer Bull, Joseph Siracuse, Christopher Scanlan, Hollie Russo
ABSENT: Jack Catanzarita
There were no comments from the public regarding items on this evening’s action agenda.
Comments from the Administration
Mr. Scanlan proudly reported on January Regents passing rates stating that 30 out of 34 students passed their exams; a few students using the special education safety net and others on appeal within range. Many thanks to the HS guidance department and teachers. This district is currently developing a comprehensive guidance plan that will require BOE review and approval.
Mr. Scanlan announced the upcoming HS Drama Production:
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Friday and Saturday evening, March 1 & 2: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. There will be a sneak-peek for elementary students Thursday morning, Feb. 28th
Mr. Richardson announced the Cohoes-Waterford Elks has again sponsored the Elks Americanism Essay Contest. The topic was What Makes You Proud of America? WHHS students in grades 7 and 8 participated: Grace Gailor, Olivia Gietman, Cassidy McClement, Julianna Foster, Riley Galarneau, Aidan Roy.
Last night, graduating senior athletes were recognized for their participation in Indoor Track and Boys Basketball. Mr. Richardson reported on the League Championship Basketball Game vs. Hoosick Falls and announced the sectional basketball game next Tuesday at Granville. Our athletic teams had a successful season in the Wasaren League.
The High School Band performed a Pops Concert last night. Mr. Lange, retired Superintendent, made a special appearance as guest narrator along with Jordan Manocchi, violinist, from Scotia-Glenville High School and member of ESYO Symphonic Orchestra. Our WHHS Jazz Ensemble and HS Concert Band performed along with a small, student led vocal group directed by Antonio Ippolito.
Mrs. Bull announced that the Special Education department is starting student annual reviews after the winter break and BOE members will begin to see those recommendations in their board packets. Mrs. Bull has filled the Teaching Assistant position in the Jr./Sr. High School. Tyler Ronan has some nice experience working with students with disabilities. His name appears on tonight’s agenda for BOE approval. The Curriculum Cabinet met two weeks ago and the committee is moving forward with curriculum decisions and professional development to ensure our teaching is aligned to Next Generation Standards. The Curriculum Cabinet Committee will continue with this focus for subsequent meetings.
Mr. Siracuse announced that today was “100 Day” in Kindergarten. Many of the kindergarten students were dressed as 100 year old people. Kindergartners, along with students in grades 1 - 6 celebrated Valentine’s Day. The second grade students will attend Walk with Dinosaurs at Proctors in Schenectady on Friday. The Go Fish program will be held for students in grade 5. The PBIS Club continues to work on motivating students through a video presentation.
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center Opera will meet with our students on March 28th. The Brain Show is re-scheduled for March 29th.
The American Heart Association fund raiser will be held on March 5th sponsored by PBIS and held during physical education classes. Many thanks to Mr. Countois and Ms. Savoie for their help. Mr. Hayes is hosting a fund raiser for the children’s orphanage in Africa that he and his family are associated with.
Mr. Pomerville announced that NYS Assemblyman John McDonald will attend the March 7th Board of Education meeting with his perspective of the NYS Budget.
Next week during the winter break, contractors will be on sight to begin door monitoring upgrades as part of the Smart School Investment Plan. The district will also be transitioning from Smart Boards to Flat Panels. The $100,000 project is moving forward with the re-bidding process to begin this week. The revised scope will include changes in the door specs, keeping the hardware. Also, it will cover all lower windows in the cafeteria with bullet resistant film. Mrs. Maloney questioned the keylock system. Mr. Galuski would like to see the upper cafeteria windows addressed at the same time as the lower cafeteria windows stating he would like to complete an entire area before moving on to the next. Mr. Pomerville will take those concerns into account and continue those conversations with Bernier, Carr and Associates.
Next week, contractors will begin final upgrades to the auditorium lobby. The auditorium interior doors will be replaced in the summer as part of the current capital project.
Mr. Pomerville announced that the district has received an invoice from the Town of Waterford for reimbursement for professional services rendered in association with the tax certiorari case with MPM Silicones, LLC (Momentive) for $56,248.84. This invoice is for half of the costs incurred, to date, from the Valuation Advisory Company of Coyle, Lynch and Company, and Dreyer, Boyajian Attorneys as well as invoice submitted by E. Stewart Jones, Hacker, Murphy Attorney group. As you remember, the Town of Waterford formally requested that we support their efforts in this tax certiorari since the outcomes of this case may impact our school and the distribution of our tax levy in the future. Their request was made in April of 2017 and we approved a resolution, as such, in May of 2017. We are currently reviewing the invoice and will most likely place the invoice on the March 7th agenda for approval.
At this point, the status of the tax certiorari is in the appraisal stages where both sides, the Town of Waterford and Momentive, are having their appraisers make valuations on the property. This is to be completed by April 30th as set by the Saratoga County judge assigned to the case. An initial conference with both parties is tentatively set for July 8th. Final appraisals need to be completed and exchanged with the other side by August 1st. A trail date is set for October 28th if no settlement is reached.
Second Reading: Policy #5741 Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers
Policy 5741 Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers.pdf
Review of the 2018 - 2019 Code of Conduct (revised)
Code of Conduct2-6-19.pdf
ACTION
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the minutes of the January 17, 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 January 31, 2019.
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 January 31, 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 January 31, 2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the Student Funds ending January 31, 2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following warrants:
General Fund #50 for $6,800.00
Special Aid #18 for $891.65
School Lunch #13 for $7,158.06
General Fund #51 for $332,990.59
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the four year probationary appointment of William Tyler Ronan as Teaching Assistant effective February 11, 2019; salary per the CSEA contract.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved Policy #5741 Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District hereby approves the agreement by and between the District and the Waterford-Halfmoon Teachers’ Association dated December 10, 2018 and approved the changes and payments provided therein.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board declared the enclosed list of obsolete and/or damaged books as surplus.
The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 1/11/2019, 1/14/2019, 1/16/2019, 1/24/2019, 1/25/2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following coaching appointments for the 2018 - 2019 school year; salary per the WTA contract; paid on a prorated basis as determined by the actual percentage of the season coached:
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Boys Tennis, Meghan Reynolds
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Varsity Softball, Katie McGreevey and Emily Aubin
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JV Softball, Karen Gentile
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Girls Track and Field, Allie Hornung
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Modified Track and Field, Jodi Ancin
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Varsity Baseball, Mike Robbins
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Modified Baseball, Bill Kelts
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board adopted the revised 2018 - 2019 Code of Conduct.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following construction change orders:
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Bast Hatfield #1-005 in the amount of $26,663.00 for labor, material and equipment to remove existing wood strip finish and provide miscellaneous framing, gypsum wall board, painting, tile and other related accessories to complete auditorium lobby upgrades.
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Kasselman Electric #4-003 in the amount of $1,950.00 to install door contacts, card readers, new power supply, new door panel and cabling
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the one year probationary appointment of Noah Hathaway as Computer Network Technical Assistant effective February 4, 2019.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved a two day unpaid leave of absence for Patricia Dearstyne, Bus Monitor, in February.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following warrants. Mr. Galuski questioned two items: A “Homeless Gas Card” for $100 was issued to a family for transportation to school; saving the district the cost of a bus. A welding company was hired to attach a swing to the ceiling in the Occupational Therapy room.
School Lunch #14 for $3,757.20
Special Aid #19 for $1,713.00
Capital Fund #12 for $54,663.23
General Fund #53 for $168,703.87
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Julie Wilson as HS Drama Coach 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 approved the appointments of the following coaches for the 2018 - 2019 school year; paid on a prorated basis as determined by the actual percentage of the season coached:
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Boys Track and Field: Andrew Wein
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Intramural Coaches: Meghan Reynolds, Michael Robbins
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Track and Field Volunteer Assistant Coach: Jeff Countois
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Varsity Boys Baseball Volunteer Assistant Coach: Kyle Williams and Ryan Hardy
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointments of the following elementary substitute teachers for the 2018 - 2019 school year; salary per the WTA contract:
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Nicholas Baker
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Michael Dewan
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Jeanette Godreau
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Ayaka Hisanaga-Probst
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Audrey Lalonde
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Alyssa Lofaro
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Calum Murray
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board went into executive session at 7:25pm to discuss negotiations.
At 7:45pm the Board returned to regular session and took action on the following:
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following resolution
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District hereby approves the agreement by and between the District and the Waterford-Halfmoon Administrators’ Association dated January 22, 2019 and approved the changes and payments provided therein.
On motion by Mr. Lee, seconded by Mrs. Dehler and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board returned to executive session at 7:47 to discuss a personnel matter.
The Board returned to regular session at 8:20pm and adjourned.
Julie Caulkins
District Clerk