Video index
Roll call (11 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER - SUPERINTENDENT'S CONFERENCE ROOM - 7:00 P.M.
President Kiernan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 18 Franklin Place, Pelham, New York 10803.
2. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION was made by Mr. Imperato, seconded by Ms. O'Leary and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss a litigation case (Pomoryn v PUFSD), the record of a particular student and collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law (Pelham Administrators' Association).
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland and unanimously carried to recess at 8:08 p.m., at which time the Board would reconvene in a public meeting in PMHS Alumni Hall.
4. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN PUBLIC MEETING IN PMHS ALUMNI HALL
Motion to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. Smith.
Vote to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. (Approved)
5. CALL TO ORDER - 575 COLONIAL AVENUE - ALUMNI HALL - 8:00 P.M.
Mrs. Kiernan called the meeting to order at approximately 8:09 p.m. in Alumni Hall, 575 Colonial Avenue, Pelham, New York. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Cavanagh reiterated the executive session motions. Approximately three members of the public and staff attended.
Mrs. Kiernan said that tonight the Board would answer questions and have a discussion about the proposed budget. She said that the Board was upset to hear about the inadvertent lockdown at Siwanoy School and noted that they would not tolerate this kind of thing again.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1 Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 4, 2014
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Imperato, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Superintendent's Report
Mr. Giarrizzo said that he would address the issue of the accidental lockdown at Siwanoy School. He gave details of the situation and said that this can never happen again. He commended Mrs. Gilbert's remarkable leadership and noted that there would be a meeting of our security and telecommunications companies to assess the situation and redesign the systems so that they do what we need for them to do. He asked that parents watch their children and let us know if we need to support them in any way. Mr. Giarrizzo said that parents should certainly call or e-mail him if they have questions and assured everyone that there would be detailed follow up on the lockdown.
7.2 Board of Education Committee Reports
Mr. Giarrizzo gave an update on the current work on the strategic plan, noting that this group would meet again on March 19th; Mr. Cavanagh reported from the Buildings and Grounds Committee, listing ongoing projects and several projects recommended by the Safety and Security Work Group that have been send to the NYSED for approval; Mr. Imperato spoke about the homework survey the Policy Committee is working on for parents, students and staff and also how the use of Chromebooks might impact our technology and homework policies; March 28th at 9 am at the Bakery at Four Corners is the next BOE coffee to discuss the budget, according to Ms. Smith, chair of the Community Engagement Committee; Ms. O'Leary shared about the recent meeting and work of the Diversity Task Force, who will probably report to the Board some time in April; and Mrs. Gilland shared that the Food Committee, under the Wellness Committee, is working on a survey that will help us put together an RFP.
7.3 Veterans' Tax Exemption Discussion
Mr. Rubbo reported on the Veterans' Tax Exemption. He explained that in a new law adopted on December 18, 2013, school districts were recently authorized to grant qualified veterans a partial exemption from school taxes. This law augments NYS Real Property Law Section 458(a) which allows qualified veterans partial property tax exemption from municipal property taxes. The decision to enact the legislation is at the Board of Education's discretion. If the Board of Education chooses to enact the legislation, public hearings must be held and resolutions must be adopted. Mr. Rubbo will come back to the Board with more information at the March 31st meeting.
7.4 Discussion of Proposed Budget for 2014-2015 School Year
Through conversation and a PowerPoint, Mr. Rubbo addressed a series of questions resulting from the all-day budget workshop on March 1st. Questions from the Board were ongoing. Mr. Rubbo will come back to the Board at a subsequent meeting with more details about the capital reserve fund. Mrs. Kiernan announced several significant dates regrding the budget: Board meetings in March and April will be budget workshops, April 22 the Board will adopt the proposed budget and May 20th, the community budget vote and member election.
Direction was given to Mr. Rubbo to include five days of Student Assistance Services in the proposed budget and also to include additional professional development (particularly in math).
At this point, Mrs. Kiernan called for public comment. Mr. Lonnie Phillips had a question on the Governor's budget.
8. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Imperato reported on the Science Olympiad results for our 7, 8, and 9th grade students recently.
9. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
9.1 Motion to Accept Treasurer's Report for December 31, 2013
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Recca, seconded by Mr. Imperato.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2 Motion to Accept Treasurer's Report for January 31, 2014
9.3 Resolution to Approve 2013-2014 Budget Transfers
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Recca, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.4 Motion to Approve State Environmental Quality Review
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.5 Motion to Approve Agreement with The Rochelle Group, LTD
Motion to Approve the following as amended, to read "
Sufficient funds are available in the Cafeteria Fund to cover this expense.
" Moved by Mr. Cavanagh, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following as amended, to read "
Sufficient funds are available in the Cafeteria Fund to cover this expense.
" (Approved)
9.6 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of the Waiver and Consent Form for Reformation of the Will of Ruby Kelton
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
On behalf of the Board, Mrs. Kiernan accepted this gift with deep gratitude.
9.7 Motion to Approve Donation
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Ms. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10. SUPERINTENDENT'S PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
10.1 Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.2 Motion to Approve Schedule C - Non-Instructional Staff and Teaching Assistants
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Imperato, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.3 Motion to Approve Schedule D - Committee on Special Education (Confidential)
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Ms. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.4 Motion to Approve Additional Committee on Special Education (CSE) Member
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Gilland, seconded by Mr. Recca.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any parent who is considering private school transportation for their child for this coming September is urged to submit their transportation request forms to the Business Office before the State deadline of April 1. The forms are available on the District website and in the Business Office.
Dr. Garcia said that Colonial parents are requesting an additional class of kindergarten for next year and that the administration will continue to monitor that situation.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:27 p.m. Moved by Mr. Imperato, seconded by Ms. Smith.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:27 p.m. (Approved)
Mar 10, 2014 Regular Board of Education Meeting - Featuring: Veterans' Tax Exemption Discussion and Discussion of Proposed Budget for 2014-2015 School Year
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Roll call (11 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER - SUPERINTENDENT'S CONFERENCE ROOM - 7:00 P.M.
President Kiernan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 18 Franklin Place, Pelham, New York 10803.
2. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION was made by Mr. Imperato, seconded by Ms. O'Leary and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss a litigation case (Pomoryn v PUFSD), the record of a particular student and collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law (Pelham Administrators' Association).
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland and unanimously carried to recess at 8:08 p.m., at which time the Board would reconvene in a public meeting in PMHS Alumni Hall.
4. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN PUBLIC MEETING IN PMHS ALUMNI HALL
Motion to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. Smith.
Vote to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. (Approved)
5. CALL TO ORDER - 575 COLONIAL AVENUE - ALUMNI HALL - 8:00 P.M.
Mrs. Kiernan called the meeting to order at approximately 8:09 p.m. in Alumni Hall, 575 Colonial Avenue, Pelham, New York. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Cavanagh reiterated the executive session motions. Approximately three members of the public and staff attended.
Mrs. Kiernan said that tonight the Board would answer questions and have a discussion about the proposed budget. She said that the Board was upset to hear about the inadvertent lockdown at Siwanoy School and noted that they would not tolerate this kind of thing again.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1 Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 4, 2014
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Imperato, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Superintendent's Report
Mr. Giarrizzo said that he would address the issue of the accidental lockdown at Siwanoy School. He gave details of the situation and said that this can never happen again. He commended Mrs. Gilbert's remarkable leadership and noted that there would be a meeting of our security and telecommunications companies to assess the situation and redesign the systems so that they do what we need for them to do. He asked that parents watch their children and let us know if we need to support them in any way. Mr. Giarrizzo said that parents should certainly call or e-mail him if they have questions and assured everyone that there would be detailed follow up on the lockdown.
7.2 Board of Education Committee Reports
Mr. Giarrizzo gave an update on the current work on the strategic plan, noting that this group would meet again on March 19th; Mr. Cavanagh reported from the Buildings and Grounds Committee, listing ongoing projects and several projects recommended by the Safety and Security Work Group that have been send to the NYSED for approval; Mr. Imperato spoke about the homework survey the Policy Committee is working on for parents, students and staff and also how the use of Chromebooks might impact our technology and homework policies; March 28th at 9 am at the Bakery at Four Corners is the next BOE coffee to discuss the budget, according to Ms. Smith, chair of the Community Engagement Committee; Ms. O'Leary shared about the recent meeting and work of the Diversity Task Force, who will probably report to the Board some time in April; and Mrs. Gilland shared that the Food Committee, under the Wellness Committee, is working on a survey that will help us put together an RFP.
7.3 Veterans' Tax Exemption Discussion
Mr. Rubbo reported on the Veterans' Tax Exemption. He explained that in a new law adopted on December 18, 2013, school districts were recently authorized to grant qualified veterans a partial exemption from school taxes. This law augments NYS Real Property Law Section 458(a) which allows qualified veterans partial property tax exemption from municipal property taxes. The decision to enact the legislation is at the Board of Education's discretion. If the Board of Education chooses to enact the legislation, public hearings must be held and resolutions must be adopted. Mr. Rubbo will come back to the Board with more information at the March 31st meeting.
7.4 Discussion of Proposed Budget for 2014-2015 School Year
Through conversation and a PowerPoint, Mr. Rubbo addressed a series of questions resulting from the all-day budget workshop on March 1st. Questions from the Board were ongoing. Mr. Rubbo will come back to the Board at a subsequent meeting with more details about the capital reserve fund. Mrs. Kiernan announced several significant dates regrding the budget: Board meetings in March and April will be budget workshops, April 22 the Board will adopt the proposed budget and May 20th, the community budget vote and member election.
Direction was given to Mr. Rubbo to include five days of Student Assistance Services in the proposed budget and also to include additional professional development (particularly in math).
At this point, Mrs. Kiernan called for public comment. Mr. Lonnie Phillips had a question on the Governor's budget.
8. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Imperato reported on the Science Olympiad results for our 7, 8, and 9th grade students recently.
9. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
9.1 Motion to Accept Treasurer's Report for December 31, 2013
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Recca, seconded by Mr. Imperato.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2 Motion to Accept Treasurer's Report for January 31, 2014
9.3 Resolution to Approve 2013-2014 Budget Transfers
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Recca, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.4 Motion to Approve State Environmental Quality Review
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.5 Motion to Approve Agreement with The Rochelle Group, LTD
Motion to Approve the following as amended, to read "
Sufficient funds are available in the Cafeteria Fund to cover this expense.
" Moved by Mr. Cavanagh, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following as amended, to read "
Sufficient funds are available in the Cafeteria Fund to cover this expense.
" (Approved)
9.6 Resolution Authorizing the Execution of the Waiver and Consent Form for Reformation of the Will of Ruby Kelton
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
On behalf of the Board, Mrs. Kiernan accepted this gift with deep gratitude.
9.7 Motion to Approve Donation
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Ms. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10. SUPERINTENDENT'S PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
10.1 Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.2 Motion to Approve Schedule C - Non-Instructional Staff and Teaching Assistants
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Imperato, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.3 Motion to Approve Schedule D - Committee on Special Education (Confidential)
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Ms. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.4 Motion to Approve Additional Committee on Special Education (CSE) Member
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Gilland, seconded by Mr. Recca.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Any parent who is considering private school transportation for their child for this coming September is urged to submit their transportation request forms to the Business Office before the State deadline of April 1. The forms are available on the District website and in the Business Office.
Dr. Garcia said that Colonial parents are requesting an additional class of kindergarten for next year and that the administration will continue to monitor that situation.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:27 p.m. Moved by Mr. Imperato, seconded by Ms. Smith.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:27 p.m. (Approved)
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