Farnsworth Technology Center | Mohonasen High School
Call to Order
The Board meeting was called to order by the President, Mrs. Gaglioti, at 6:00 PM. Mrs. Gaglioti requested those present to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Roll Call
- Board Members Present: Wade Abbott, Deborah Escobar, Lisa Gaglioti, Stacy MacTurk, Robert Piccirillo, and Pamela Young
- Board Members Absent: Patrick Ryan
- Administrators Present: Mr. Shannon Shine, Christopher Ruberti, and Laurel Logan-King
Executive Session
MOTION made by Mr. Abbott, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that an Executive Session be convened for the purpose of discussing tenure portfolio reviews. The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that the Executive Session be adjourned at 7:04 PM. The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.g.
Return to Public Session
The public session was called to order by the President, Mrs. Gaglioti, at 7:06 PM. Mrs. Gaglioti requested those present to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Roll Call
- Board Members Present: Wade Abbott, Deborah Escobar, Lisa Gaglioti, Stacy MacTurk, Robert Piccirillo, and Pamela Young
- Board Members Absent: Patrick Ryan
- Administrators Present: Mr. Shannon Shine, Christopher Ruberti, Laurel Logan-King, Lisa Carnibucci, Karla Empie, Kevin Warren, William Whitty, Richard Arket, Kristy Goergen, Jason Thompson, Thomas O’Connor, Leslie Smith, William Vacca, Matthew Hubbell, Dave Austin, Deborah Kavanaugh, and Tasha Anderson
- Others In Attendance: Randy Jerreld and David Rickard (District Supervisors), Emma Drake, Ravena Busjit and Youssef Jalwaj-Soubai (Student Representatives), approximately 27 faculty/staff members, 12 district residents, and 27 students.
Communications – Student Representatives
Student representatives Emma Drake, Ravena Busjit and Youssef Jalwaj-Soubai gave presentations on the activities that were recently held at each of the buildings. Some of the events at Bradt included 100 Days of School Celebration, the 2019 Science Fair, and the Dr. Seuss Celebration. They reported that several students’ art work will be on display at the Empire State Plaza from March 2-18. Some of Pinewood’s events included a March Reading Madness, a visit from author Matt McElligott, and a youth indoor flag football league that will begin soon for grades 2-5. Draper’s events included Career Day that will be coming up soon, the Odyssey of the Mind team ranked 3rd in their competition, and a video was shown of the High School Acapello group. Athletic events were reported as well as accomplishments of the bowling team, wrestling, basketball, track, and swimming
Communications – Select Orchestra
Ms. Kimberly Kondenar, Music Facilitator K-12, introduced the Select Orchestra to perform for the Board. Ms. Kondenar also reported that the Orchestra would be performing at Walt Disney this year.
Communications – Guidance Program K-12 & Mental Health Supports Update
Ms. Deborah Kavanaugh introduced the district’s Guidance Departments to give updates on the K-12 guidance plans. Each building highlighted on what is new within their building and also what they currently are working on and their goals moving forward. Some of the topics that were discussed were transitions, graduation, mental health, school safety, positivity and communication. A few new developments happening in the near future will be some new committees being formed and a resource website that will be created for support. They reported on Northern Rivers, a new counseling program that services 25 of our students and is located on-site.
Communications – BOCES, Employee Benefits, General Support, and Budget Overview
Mr. Ruberti introduced two of his staff that were present at the meeting, Mr. David Rickard, Head Mechanic, and Mr. Randy Jerreld, Director of Transportation and explained briefly what their job responsibilities were in the district.
Mr. Ruberti began the presentation by going over some factors impacting the budget and where things stand currently with the budget, including increases and decreases in expenses and revenues. He said that at this time the District is facing a $1,150,000 budget gap. Given the $850,000 deficit we are currently at, this combines to make a total deficit gap of $2,000,000. He reported on the working budget for General Support, Operations & Maintenance and Transportation. Mr. Ruberti also discussed Employee Benefits and the significant increase in health insurance costs for 2019-20. He also gave an overview of BOCES costs, BOCES Aid and the projections for next year. He discussed the proposed bus purchases and explained the contingent budget rules. He reported that there are two at-large seats open for 3-year terms and petitions are available in the District Office. He mentioned that the adoption of the budget proposal will be on April 8th and the Annual Budget vote will be on May 21st.
Communications – Board of Education
Mr. Abbott reported that he attended the Athletic Hall of Fame banquet and said it was fantastic. He recognized Mr. Austin and Ms. Streeter for their great job with this event.
Mr. Abbott discussed his concern about the computer-based exams and also his disapproval for students being electronically wanded at Draper before taking the state exams.
Mrs. Escobar announced that she and three Mohonasen teachers attended a State Lobbying Day for Education. They requested foundation aid, as well as voiced many other concerns. Ms. Escobar was pleased with the receptions they received.
Mrs. MacTurk recognized Mrs. Smith for her outstanding job with the bedtime stories.
Mr. Piccirillo mentioned the importance of supporting our administrators during the administration of the 3-8 state exams.
Public Privilege of the Floor
Mr. William Sherman, Girls’ Cross-Country & Track Coach, who resides on 4th Street in Rotterdam, gave an end of the season report on his team. He thanked Mr. Shine for attending the Hall of Fame Banquet. He reported that his team broke 12 school records, as well as every relay record. He went on to report the total championship wins and great accomplishments of the teams and the students. He also mentioned that the team was designated as a New York State Scholar Athlete Team. As a team, they had a 93.89 average.
Ms. Kimberly Kondenar, a K-12 Music Facilitator who resides on Central Parkway in Schenectady, thanked the Board for having her orchestra perform. She handed out flyers that gave a list of accomplishments that the music team have provided. She also talked about the program and her concern about the budget cuts.
Ms. Diane Blinn, a Social Worker at the High School, who resides 6th Street in Scotia, handed out a schedule of events to qualify the high school as a “No Place for Hate School”. She described each event and then talked about the Senior Citizens Prom and invited everyone to come and share as many of the events as possible.
Ms. Blinn also thanked Mr. Shine for nominating her for an award through CASDA. She said the nomination was recognized with a great dinner and showed her “star” award.
New Business – Instructional
Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements
Request Approval and Arrangement for the Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements and Committee on Pre-School Special Education
MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education approve and arrange for the recommendations of the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Pre-School Special Education on February 12, 14, 15, 25, 27, and March, 5 and 6, 2019.
The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
New Business – Business/Personnel
Approval of Health & Welfare – Scotia-Glenville
Request Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with Scotia-Glenville Central School District
MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that the Board of Education approve a health and welfare contract with the Scotia-Glenville Central School District, in the total amount of $21,651.74 for the 2018-19 school year.
The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
Approval of Health & Welfare – South Colonie
Request Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with South Colonie Central School District
MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Ms. Escobar, that the Board of Education approve a health and welfare contract with the South Colonie Central School District, in the total amount of $12,317.12 for the 2018-19 school year.
The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
Approval for Authorization to Execute Closing Papers
Request for Authorization to Execute Closing Papers
MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education authorize the Assistant Superintendent for Business to execute closing papers for the above mentioned project as per the resolution.
The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
Approval of Budget Re-appropriation – Proceeds from Sale
Request Approval of Budget Reappropriation – Proceeds from Sale
MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that the Board of Education amend the 2018-2019 budget as follows:
- Increase A2770 – Other Unclassified Revenue – $1,500
- Increase A2110.483-07-0000 – Misc. Textbook – $1,500
The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
Approved Minutes
MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that the Board of Education approve the minutes of February 25, 2019.
The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
Approved Bids/Change Order
Request for Approval to Award Bids/Change Orders:
MOTION made by Ms. Young, seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that the Board of Education award:
Contract No. 42 for HVAC in the amount of $283,000.00 to:
- Colonie Mechanical Contractors, Inc., 17 Railroad Avenue, Albany, NY 12205
Contract No. 43 for Electrical in the amount of $283,000.00 to:
- Kasselmam Electric Company, Inc., PO Box 984, Albany, NY 12201
The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
Approved Personnel Recommendations
MOTION made by Mr. Abbott, seconded by Mrs. Escobar, that the Board of Education approve the following personnel recommendations:
The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
Appointments
Audrey Yetto
- Assignment: P/T 19A Trainer
- Effective Dates: March 4, 2019 – June 30, 2019
- Salary: $18.64/hour
Terri Cuff
- Assignment: Substitute Bus Driver
- Effective Date: March 4, 2019
- Salary: $16.50/hour
Steven Blais
- Assignment: 2 additional classes (0.4 Art)
- Effective Date: March 11, 2019 – June 30, 2019
- Salary: 24% of contract salary, pro-rated
Spring Coach – 2019
- Position: Boys’/Girls’ Varsity Track Assistant
- Coach: Robert Stranahan
- Step/Stipend: Step 4
- Position: Skills USA State Competition
- Name: Kelly Fahrenkopf
- Days: April 24, 25, 26, 2019
- Rate: Daily rate
Marching Band Appointments – WInter 2018
- Advisor: Mike Salamone
- Classification: Percussion
- Stipend: Volunteer
- Advisor: Devin Fitzgerald
- Classification: Percussion
- Stipend: $250
Rescinded Appointment – Appeared on the February 25, 2019 agenda:
- Name: Christine Deitz
- Assignment: P/T Teaching Assistant (6 Hours)
- Effective Date: February 25, 2019 – June 30, 2019
- Salary: Step 6
Resignations
Joanne Rifenburg
- Assignment: P/T Food Service Helper
- Effective Date: Close of business March 8, 2019
Leaves of Absence
Jennifer Palleschi
- Appointment: Elementary Education
- Effective Dates: December 7, 2018 – December 18, 2018
- Reason: Family Medical Leave (Unpaid Leave of Absence)
Executive Session
MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that an Executive Session be convened at 9:18 PM for the purpose of discussion of teacher portfolio review. The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
MOTION made by Mr. Abbott, seconded by Mrs. Escobar, that the Executive Session be adjourned at 10:30 PM. The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
Adjournment
MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Ms. Young, that the Board of Education meeting be adjourned at 10:30 PM. The motion was passed unanimously, six members present and voting.
The music and theater classes at Mohonasen High School welcomed a special alumni visitor on March 18. Graduate Ryan Dickson, who had been a member of the Mohonasen orchestra since third grade and fell in love with theater as a member of the pit orchestra and as a student director, came to talk about his experiences since high school.
Did you know…breakfast is only $1.00 at Mohonasen’s elementary schools. And, students who qualify for either free or reduced-price school meals receive breakfast at no charge! It’s simple: students use the same pin number that’s used at lunch.