All are welcome to join in showing support for appropriate state funding for Mohonasen!

• 6 p.m.
• Thursday, March 28
• Draper Middle School cafeteria

Read more about the budget here.

The following students have made Honor Roll during Quarter 2 at Mohonasen High School.

Gold Honor Roll is awarded to students who achieve a grade point average of 95 or above. Silver Honor Roll is awarded to students who achieve a grade point average of 90 to 94. Bronze Honor Roll is awarded to students who achieve a grade point average of 85 to 89.

Congratulations and keep up the great work!

Bradt students will be participating in many exciting activities to celebrate and protect our Earth.

Monday, April 8

Show how much you care about our Earth by wearing green and/or blue or an Earth Day T-Shirt to school!

Tuesday, April 9

Bagless Lunch:  If your child brings a lunch and/or snack to school, please use containers for packing food/snack items and such that can be washed and reused on this day.

Wednesday, April 10

Clynk Bottle Drive: Proceeds to Benefit Bradt’s Anchor Room. Please send in bottles that have been cleaned in a plastic bag (NO GLASS). Large containers will be set up outside of the main office. Parents can bring in bottles that they would like to donate and recycle throughout the school day. All bottles may be dropped off at the main entrance. All proceeds raised will support our Anchor Room located in the back of the cafeteria.

Thursday, April 11

Make a poster during lunch to hang in the hallway to show others how we can protect Earth.

Friday, April 12

Earth Day Stations:  Students will participate in a variety of hands-on learning activities. (KDG Only)

Saturday, April 13

Second Annual Spring Earth Day Clean Up 9-11 a.m.:  We will work together as a community to rake the front of the building, including the areas around the main entrance and add new mulch to the existing beds.  Light refreshments will be provided. Please bring a rake. We are looking for donations of paper lawn and leaf bags. If you are not attending this event, please feel free to send in these bags to the main office. This event is dependent upon the weather. Please check your email or the website to determine if this event is canceled due to the weather.

Monday, April 15

Zucchini Brothers: Students will participate in a sing-a-long performance in the afternoon.

After reviewing final state aid figures and assessing feedback from the school community, the Mohonasen Central School District will present the Board of Education with a recommended 2019-20 budget that preserves its elementary orchestra program and reduces the impact of music staffing reductions.

“Despite advocacy efforts by our community and the support of our state legislators aimed at securing state aid owed to the district, the recently adopted state budget managed to increase Mohonasen’s aid by just $57,000,” said Superintendent Shine. “However, as a school district, part of our responsibility is to listen to the community at-large when determining budget priorities and that is what we are doing.”

Superintendent Shine said while the approved 2019-20 New York state budget continues to underfund Mohonasen schools by nearly $4 million annually and provides only a 1 percent, or $137,581 year-to-year increase, the district is offering retirement incentives to minimize the number of staff layoffs, while reducing the overall workforce.

“At Mohonasen, we have heard the music community loud and clear, and we deeply appreciate the passionate advocacy of our community,” he said.

The revised plan would reduce music staff by one part-time music position (0.7 FTE) rather than the 1.7 FTE positions that had originally been slated for elimination. This reduction will impact small group lessons and may decrease the number of lessons or increase the number of students per lesson, Shine said, but would allow students to continue joining the orchestra strings program at Pinewood Intermediate School beginning in grade three.

The superintendent said the same staffing configuration was in place several years ago.

“To be clear, with this level of staffing, no music programs will be reduced or cut,” said Shine.

How the state budget impacts Mohonasen

Under the 2019-20 New York state budget, adopted April 1, the Mohonasen Central School District is expected to receive $13,738,672 in Foundation Aid. This is a $137,581, or approximately 1 percent, increase over the current year. Foundation Aid is the primary source of funds received from the state. This figure is approximately $57,000 more than what was included in the Governor’s proposed budget in January.

“Senator George Amedore and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara strongly lobbied and advocated on the district’s behalf,” said Superintendent Shine. “Ultimately, they were just as frustrated by the level of Foundation Aid distributed to all school districts, not just Mohonasen.”

Superintendent Shine said he is asking the local legislators to advocate for additional aid from the state, sometimes called “bullet aid,” to help offset the impact of such limited Foundation Aid.

How retirement incentives impact Mohonasen

Retirement incentives are being proposed for teachers and support staff for two purposes:

• To allow attrition to account for the majority of reductions and minimize the number of staff members who would lose their jobs, while reducing the overall force; and
• To reduce expenses by replacing more senior staff with less expensive staff.

The savings is projected to be about $125,000 in 2019-20 and $250,000 in 2020-21.

What’s next?

After taking into account the additional Foundation Aid, a shift in the proposed music reductions and the savings from retirement incentives, the district still estimates it will need to apply $400,000 from its reserves toward the remaining budget gap for the 2019-2020 budget.

The Board of Education is expected to approve a proposed budget on Monday, April 8. The community will vote on the adopted budget Tuesday, May 21.

This year’s senior prom/ball will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 17 on Hoosick Street in Troy. The Afterglow starts at 11:30 p.m. at the high school.

All students are required to complete a Ball Promise and Guest Promise (if applicable.) The forms can be picked up in the high school Main Office.

Friday is a half-day for students

This year, May 17 is a half day for all students. All high school students will be dismissed at 10:50 a.m. If you are making any appointments, please keep in mine all appointments should be made for after 11 a.m.

All students must be present for their “normal” school day. The revised half-day schedule is as follows:

• Homeroom: 7:39-7:45 a.m.
• Period 1: 7:49 to 8:07 a.m.
• Period 2: 8:08 to 8:26 a.m.
• Period 3: 8:30 to 8:48 a.m.
• Period 4: 8:49 to 9:07 a.m.
• Period 5: 9:11 to 9:29 a.m.
• Period 6: 9:31 to 9:49 a.m.
• Period 7: 9:51 to 10:09 a.m.
• Period 8: 10:13 to 10:31 a.m.
• Period 9: 10:32 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.

There will be a mandatory meeting in the auditorium at 10:25 a.m. for all attendees. All students attending prom must attend this assembly. There are no exceptions and attendance will be taken.

Payment information

Ball bids are $70 per person, plus dues ($5 for freshmen, $5 for sophomores, $10 for juniors and seniors.) If you are not sure of your dues balance, please see your class adviser.

Students who purchase tickets for the event, and are not eligible to attend, can be reimbursed (for the ticket price, minus any class dues) by their class advisers. For the Class of 2019, see Ms. Spore or Mr. Bartone, and for the Class of 2019, see Ms. Scalise, Ms. Guse or Ms. Vachon. Please see your class adviser between April 29 and May for the refund.

On April 2, 2019, students from the Mohonasen’s Project Lead the Way engineering classes attended a
tour of the research facilities at GE Global Research in Niskayuna.

The tour included presentations and various demonstrations of the new and amazing technologies used
in the areas of Robotics, Wind Turbine Technology, Medical Imaging, Materials Engineering and Glass
Blowing.

The students also learned about career paths in STEM by participating in a panel discussion
with recent college graduates who work at GE.

Check out some new technologies being developed: Robots Inspecting Turbine Blades

Attention all senior citizens – are you interested in brushing up on your technology skills? Do you need help with your cell phone or tablet? Want to learn how to use apps on your devices and navigate the internet safely?

Join us a Mohonasen’s Technology Enrichment event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10 at the Center for Advanced Technology (the building located on Mohonasen’s high school campus.)

This is a completely free service, but we ask that you call Principal Lisa Carnibucci at 518-356-8461 to RSVP.

Please bring your usernames and passwords for apps (such as your Apple ID or Google ID) and your personal devices!

Join us from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at Draper Middle School for the annual Family Fun Fair! Admission is free.

Students in Grades K-12 and their families can enjoy an evening of FUN (and learning!) The evening will include a series of activities, exhibits, hobbies and more! Attractions will include a showcase of Mohon Masque Jr., face painting, French culture, STEM activities, child safe ID cards, crafts and a rock wall.

Please consider bringing a donation for our Backpack Program to help those less fortunate in our own community. Suggested items include cereal in a cup, tomato sauce, chili and beans, spaghetti, pudding cups (Snack Pack), fruit cups, peanut butter crackers, Hi-C juice boxes, cans of tuna, mac and cheese, granola breakfast bars.

The Mohonasen school district is searching for a part-time bus aide who would work 20 hours per week.

Applicants must have graduated from high school or received a GED, and must be able to pass a physical performance test. Applicants will be required to actively supervise and engage with students and assist drivers and loading and unloading students.

Apply by Friday, April 26.

For more information, visit mohonasen.org/employment.

MohonasenCARES recently received $3,500 in grant money from local businesses to help stock its district Anchor Rooms and Food Pantries.

Stewart’s stores donated $1,000 and Price Chopper supermarkets delivered a $500 card to fund the Mohonasen High School Anchor Room program.

Each school has a room where K-12 students can receive free clothing and toiletries: an Anchor Room at Bradt Primary and Mohonasen High School, the Next to New Closet at Pinewood Intermediate and the Draper Closet at the middle school. Each of these programs exist because of donations (monetary, clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc.) through each school’s community and staff.

In addition, Hannaford supermarkets have also support MohonasenCARES by donating $2,000 in gift cards to help stock the district’s Food Pantries, which help local families in need throughout the year.

Congratulations to Draper Middle School’s March Students of the Month:

• Top row: Shawn Gutermuth, Dakota Maikels, Adrianna Cascini, Nathan Wiltsie
• Middle row: Ariana Audette Spencer Pease, Zoe Miller
• Bottom row: Logan Karrel, Gabriella Nadeau, Madison Fleming
• Absent from photo: Nicholas Gestring and Ella Goodspeed

The Mohonasen Central School District, on March 22, 2019, in accordance with NYS Education Commissioner’s Regulation 8 NYCRR Part 155.8, has performed an annual fire inspection of each school-owned facility.

These reports were submitted to the NY State Education Department. Updated Certificates of Occupancy have been posted at all schools.

Mr. Robert Rossi, NYS Code Enforcement Official, performed the inspections for the district. Mr. Rossi was accompanied by Joseph Mayo, the District’s Director of Facilities. The report thereof is available at the Facilities office at 2072 Curry Road for inspection by all interested persons.

Bradt Primary School has received a $500 Earth Day grant to help expand its Green Team program throughout the building.

The 2019 grant was awarded by the Education Committee for the Eastern New York Chapter of the Air & Waste Management Association (AWMA). For the past 18 years the association has been awarding Earth Day grants to schools with programs in place that improve the environment through education. Twenty-six grants were awarded this year to schools throughout New York State and the Capital District.

Bradt School has three large cans on wheels that students use to collect the paper recycling in each week from the recycling bins in the classrooms. The students wear green jerseys with recycling stickers that serve as their Green Team “uniforms.” Because of the stickers, the uniforms are not able to be washed.

Bradt School plans to use the grant money to possibly purchase new uniforms – T-shirts or vests – that would include a more durable Bradt Green Team recycling symbol so the uniforms can be taken home and washed. The team would also like to purchase a fourth large can on wheels so another recycling team can be added each week, as well as bigger recycling bins for some of the classrooms that generate a large amount of paper recycling.

In addition to helping the environment, the Green Team program teaches the students communications and collaboration skills as they work together to plan and collect the recycling materials in their assigned wings.

The Mohonasen Board of Education on April 8 approved a proposed $54.35 million budget for the 2019-20 school year. The proposed budget, which will go before residents during a public vote on Tuesday, May 21, eliminates 19 full-time equivalent positions and keeps the tax levy increase at the state cap.

A budget hearing and Meet the Candidates Night for the Board of Education will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 13 in the Mohonasen High School LGI. District residents should also check their mail this spring for the annual budget newsletter which outlines the proposed budget in more detail. Information is also available at www.mohonasen.org/budget.

Under the school board’s adopted budget for the 2019-2020 school year, spending would increase by $1.29 million, or 2.43 percent. Prescription drug costs, as well as contractual costs such as salaries and other benefits, contribute to this year’s spending increases.

The proposed budget carries a tax levy increase of $1,042,745, or 3.82 percent, which is at the district’s limit – or cap – as calculated by the state formula. As a result, a simple majority (50 percent plus one vote) is needed for approval on May 21.

The district had been hopeful the state would significantly amend Mohonasen’s Foundation Aid allotment, but the small increase was not enough to balance the budget. After reviewing final state aid figures and assessing feedback from the school community, the Board of Education approved a 2019-20 budget that preserves the district’s elementary orchestra program and reduces the impact of music staffing reductions, but eliminates 19 full-time equivalent positions.

“Despite advocacy efforts by our community and the support of our state legislators aimed at securing state aid owed to the district, the recently adopted state budget managed to increase Mohonasen’s aid by just $57,000,” said Superintendent Shannon Shine. “However, as a school district, part of our responsibility is to listen to the community at-large when determining budget priorities and that is what we are doing.”

Positions eliminated under the proposal include two full-time administrators, six elementary school teachers, three secondary teachers, one librarian, one part-time music teacher, one part-time art teacher, two cleaners, two monitors, one IT technician, one bus mechanic, one account clerk in the Central Office and one additional clerical position. Nearly 45 percent of these reductions were completed through attrition and retirement incentives.

District officials estimate the reductions will increase class size in grades K-6 by 1 to 4 students per section. Secondary class sizes and course offerings will also be impacted by the reductions.

“We are trying to financially right the ship and it’s our intention to maintain and grow the excellent programs and academic offerings we currently have in Mohonasen,” Shine said.  “Our fiscal reality is stressed, but it would be even more challenging and disruptive if we failed to address it.”

To help balance the budget, the district will also use $2.05 million in appropriated fund balance and reserves. Fund balance and reserves are residual funds the district has after all expenses have been taken into account — in essence, a district’s savings account.

If the proposed budget is approved by voters, the estimated annual tax increase on an average Rotterdam home with a $150,000 full value assessment will be approximately $73.65.

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 and Pamela Young
• Board Members Absent: Robert Piccirillo and Patrick Ryan
• Administrators Present: Mr. Shannon Shine, Christopher Ruberti, and Laurel Logan-King

Executive Session

MOTION made by Ms. Young, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that an Executive Session be convened for the purpose of discussing tenure portfolio reviews.  The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

MOTION made by Mrs. Escobar, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that an Executive Session be adjourned at 7:00 PM. The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Return to Public Session

The public session was called to order by the President, Mrs. Gaglioti, at 7:05 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, and Pamela Young
• Board Members Absent: Robert Piccirillo and Patrick Ryan
• Administrators Present: Mr. Shannon Shine, Christopher Ruberti, and Laurel Logan-King, Karla Empie, Kevin Warren, Richard Arket, Kristy Goergen, Jason Thompson, Thomas O’Connor, Leslie Smith, Deborah Kavanaugh, and Tasha Anderson
• Others In Attendance: There were approximately 400 attendees at this meeting and they included a combination of faculty and staff, community members, coaches, students, alumni, and district residents.  News media included Spectrum, WRGB, and WNYT.

Communications – Superintendent

Mr. Shine welcomed everyone and announced that the presentation that was scheduled for the evening would be tabled for the next Board meeting so that everyone who wanted to talk during privilege of the floor would have an opportunity.  He then turned the meeting over to Mr. Ruberti to give an update on the Budget.

Budget Presentation – Instructional/Revenue and Budget Update

Mr. Ruberti then gave a presentation on the status of the overall working budget. He reported that there is currently a “gap” between revenues and expenses of $2,000,000 projected for 2019-20.  Mr. Ruberti discussed the major changes to expenses and revenue.  He discussed the use of fund balance and reserves and the fact that keeping all current staff and programs was unsustainable.  He then finished the presentation by reviewing the tax levy calculation, proposed bus proposition, contingent budget rules and mentioned that there are petitions available for two Board vacancies.  The next Board meeting will be April 8^th when the Board will adopt the budget, May 13^th will be the Budget Hearing and Meet the Candidates Night and the Annual Budget Vote and BOE Election will be May 21, 2019.

Communications – Board of Education

Each Board member thanked everyone for coming out to this board meeting and for their support of programs and faculty members.  The Board also thanked everyone for their emails and reinforced the importance of their feedback.

Public Privilege of the Floor

There were many thoughts and concerns voiced during Public Privilege of the Floor.  Many of the concerns were over the proposed budget cuts, teacher reductions, enlarged class sizes, program cuts, music department cuts, middle school dress codes, lack of foundation aid funding, and the need for all to contact the state legislators and demand we get our fully funded foundation aid.  Phone numbers were given out for George Amedore, Angelo Santabarbara, and Governor Cuomo.  Some of the teachers, parents, alumni, students, and community members, who spoke out are:

Christina Patterson, Mike Salamone, Sophie Mathis, Catherine De La Cruz, Danielle & James Shiely, Michael Adamec, Nina Cerniglia, Gail Sparlin, George Alden, Cecelia Mucci, Randy Gunn, Sarah Bachorik, Elizabeth Lewis, Liesha Sherman, tim Abbott, Grace MacTurk, Caleb Pacelli, Emily Bradford, Jacly, Paul, Kerry Macherone, Samantha Groncki, Lily McCumber, Melinda Varga, Amanda Laven, Shawn Unser, Joshua DeMarco, Bill Sherman, Lela Carpenter, Natalie Colberg, Laura Rickard, Bonnie Unser, and Julie Power.

There were many others who spoke out but did not sign in, but gave very heartfelt and emotional stories as well.

MOTION was made by Mr. Abbott, seconded by Ms. Young, that the Board of Education take a ten minute recess before moving on to the business section of the meeting.

After a ten minute recess, the meeting returned to order.

New Business – Instructional

Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements

Request for Approval and Arrangement of Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements and Committee on Pre-School Special Education

MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Ms. Young, that the Board of Education approve and arrange for the recommendations of the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education for meetings held on January 29, 30, March 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13, 2019.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval of 8^th Grade Students  trip to Six Flags on June 6-7, 2019

Request for Approval for 8^th Grade Students to Participate in a Field Trip to Six Flags, New England on Thursday, June 6 – Friday, June 7, 2019

MOTION made by Mr. Abbott, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education approve the request for 8^th grade students to participate in a field trip to Six Flags, New England on Thursday, June 6 – Friday, June 7, 2019.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

New Business – Business/Personnel

Approval to authorize Expenditures for School Buses

Request for Approval of Resolution to Authorize Expenditures for School Buses

MOTION made by Mrs. Escobar, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution to be put forth as a proposition to the voters on May 21, 2019:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District, Towns of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, and Colonie and Guilderland, Albany County, New York, is hereby authorized to pay the cost of the purchase of school buses of and for said School District, including incidental improvements and expenses in connection  therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of Six Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars ($610,000.00) and providing for the levy of a tax therefore to be collected in installments, with obligations of said School District to be issued in anticipation thereof in an amount not to exceed Six Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars ($610,000.00).

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval of Continuation of Mohonasen-Schalmont Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving Team

Request Approval for Continuation of Mohonasen-Schalmont Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving Team for the 2019-2020 School Year

MOTION made by Mr. Abbott, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education approve the request for continuation of the combined Mohonasen and Schalmont interscholastic Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving Team for the 2019-2020 school year, in accordance with the provisions of NYSPHSAA and Section II, sharing all applicable fees, insurance and related expenses.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval of Continuation of Mohonasen-Schenectady Varsity Golf Team

Request Approval for Continuation of Mohonasen-Schenectady Varsity Golf Team for the 2019-2020 School Year

MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Ms. Young, that the Board of Education approve the request for continuation of the combined Mohonasen and  Schenectady Interscholastic Golf Team for the 2019-2020 school year, in accordance with the provisions of NYSPHSAA and Section II, sharing all applicable fees, insurance and related expenses.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with North Greenbush Common School District

Request for Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with North Greenbush Common School District

MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mrs. Escobar, that the Board of Education approve a health and welfare contract with North Greenbush Common School District, in the total amount of $231.29 for the 2018-19 school year.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval to Enter into an Agreement with St. Anne Institute

Request for Approval to Enter into an Agreement with St. Anne Institute for Educational Services

MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that the Board of Education approve a contract with St. Anne’s Institute to provide educational services on an as needed basis to one District resident student at a cost of $4,664 per month effective March 12, 2019 through June 30, 2019.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval of Retirement Incentive – Mohonasen Teachers’ Association

Request for Approval of Retirement Incentive – Mohonasen Teachers’ Association

MOTION made by Mrs. Escobar, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:

AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE MOHONASEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE MOHONASEN TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION (MTA)

WHEREAS, the Mohonasen Teachers’ Association (“MTA”) represents certain employees of the Mohonasen Central School District (“District”); and

WHEREAS, the District desires to offer a retirement incentive to certain eligible bargaining unit members; and

WHEREAS, the MTA is agreeable for the District to offer such an incentive on a limited basis;

IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Full time Teachers and full time Teaching Assistants who are eligible to retire, in accordance with the rules of the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, and who do so retire in accordance herewith, will be eligible to receive the following payments, dependent on the number of employees who actually allow letters of resignation for retirement purposes to be approved by the Board of Education.
   1. 1. a. 3 retirees – $2,500
      2. b. 4 retirees – $5,000
      3. c. 5 retirees – $7,500
      4. d. 6 retirees – $10,000
      5. e. 7 retirees – $12,500
      6. f. 8 retirees – $15,000
      7. g. 9 retirees – $17,500
      8. h. 10+ retirees – $20,000

  Part-time teaching assistants who are eligible to retire, in accordance with the rules of the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, and who do so retire in accordance herewith, will be eligible to receive the following payments, dependent on the number of full-time teachers and full time teaching assistants who actually allow letters of resignation for retirement purposes to be approved by the Board of Education.

1. 1. 1. a. 3 retirees – $1,250
      2. b. 4 retirees – $2,500
      3. c. 5 retirees – $3,750
      4. d. 6 retirees – $5,000
      5. e. 7 retirees – $6,250
      6. f. 8 retirees – $7,500
      7. g. 9 retirees – $8,750
      8. h. 10+ retirees – $10,000

In order to be eligible for this payment, the bargaining unit member must submit his/her letter of resignation for retirement purposes no later than April 1, 2019, by the close of business, for acceptance by the Board of Education with a retirement date effective no earlier than June 30, 2019 and no later than August 31,

2. An eligible retiring member that will be receiving their retiree health insurance through the District upon retirement, payment will be used as a “credit” toward the retiree’s health insurance premiums in retirement. This payment will be retained by the District to pay his/her entire retiree health insurance premiums.
3. An eligible retiring member who will not be receiving retiree health insurance through the District upon retirement, shall receive as a deposit to their 403(b) account, a non-elective employer contribution for the applicable payment according to the chart in point 1. The employer contribution will be deposited into the retiring member’s 403(b) account within thirty (30) days of the effective date of retirement. The retiree shall be responsible for all tax liability associated with their choice of depository and are encouraged to consult a financial advisor prior to making that

The Non-elective employer contribution into the 403(b) account shall be contributed in accordance with the following rules and stipulations:

No Cash Option No employee may receive cash in lieu of or as an alternative to the retiree incentives described above.

Contribution Limitations In any applicable year, the maximum Employer Contribution shall not cause an employee’s 403(b) account to exceed the applicable contribution limit under Section 415(c)(1) of the Code, as adjusted for cost-of-living increases. For Employer Non-elective Contributions made post-employment to former employees’ 403(b) account, the Contribution Limit shall be based on the employee’s compensation, as determined under Section 403(b)(3) of the Code.

In the event that the calculation of the Employer Non-elective Contribution referenced in any of the preceding paragraphs exceed the applicable Contribution Limits, then the Employer shall first make an Employer Non-elective Contribution up to the Contribution Limit of the Internal Revenue Code and then pay any excess amount as compensation directly to the Employee. In no instance shall the Employee have any rights to, including the ability to receive,  any excess amount as compensation unless and until the Contribution Limit of the Internal Revenue Code are fully met through payment of the Employer’s Non-Elective Contribution.

5. This agreement shall sunset on August 31, 2019, and shall have no further force or effect, except as to enforce payments due on or after that date. Any such dispute shall be subject to the grievance procedure in the parties’ collective bargaining agreement.
6. This agreement is subject to the approval of the Board of Education.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval of Retirement Incentive – Mohonasen Support Staff Association

Request for Approval of Retirement Incentive – Mohonasen Support Staff Association

MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mrs. Escobar, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:

AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE MOHONASEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE MOHONASEN SUPPORT STAFF ASSOCIATION (MSSA) 

WHEREAS, the Mohonasen Support Staff Association (“MSSA”) represents certain employees of the Mohonasen Central School District (“District”); and

WHEREAS, the District desires to offer a retirement incentive to certain eligible bargaining unit members; and

WHEREAS, the MSSA is agreeable for the District to offer such an incentive on a limited basis pursuant to the terms set forth below.

IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Full-time members of the MSSA, or members with multiple part-time positions that worked forty (40) hours or more for a minimum of the last five (5) years, who are eligible to retire in accordance with the rules of the New York State Employees’ Retirement System, and who do so retire in accordance herewith, will be eligible to receive the following payment, dependent on the number of employees who actually retire:

1. 1. 1. a. 2 retirees – $1,250
      2. b. 3 retirees – $2,500
      3. c. 4 retirees – $3,750
      4. d. 5 retirees – $5,000
      5. e. 6 retirees – $6,250
      6. f. 7 retirees – $7,500
      7. g. 8 retirees – $8,750
      8. h. 9 retirees – $10,000
      9. i. 10 retirees – $11,250
      10. j. 11+ retirees – $12,500

In order to be eligible for this payment, the bargaining unit member must submit his/her letter of resignation for retirement purposes no later than the close of business April 1, 2019, for acceptance by the Board of Education, with a retirement date effective no earlier than June 30, 2019 and no later than December 31, 2019.

The above payment shall be used as a “credit” towards health insurance premiums in retirement for any eligible member who, upon retirement, will be receiving retiree health insurance through the District. This payment will be retained by the District and applied to pay the individual’s retiree health insurance premiums until such time the above payment amount is exhausted.

An eligible retiring member who will not be receiving retiree health insurance through the District upon retirement shall receive, as a deposit to their 403(b) account, a non-elective employer contribution for the applicable payment according to the chart in paragraph 1 above. The employer contribution will be deposited into the retiring member’s 403(b) account within thirty (30) days of the effective date of retirement. The retiree shall be responsible for all tax liability associated with their choice of depository and are encouraged to consult a financial advisor prior to making that The non-elective employer contribution into the 403(b) account shall be contributed in accordance with the following rules and stipulations:

No Cash Option No employee may receive cash in lieu of or as an alternative to the retiree incentives described above.

Contribution Limitations In any applicable year, the maximum Employer Contribution shall not cause an employee’s 403(b) account to exceed the applicable contribution limit under Section 415(c)(1) of the Code, as adjusted for cost-of-living increases. For Employer Non-elective Contributions made post-employment to former employees’ 403(b) account, the Contribution Limit shall be based on the employee’s compensation, as determined under Section 403(b)(3) of the Code.

In the event that the calculation of the Employer Non-elective Contribution referenced in any of the preceding paragraphs exceed the applicable Contribution Limits, then the Employer shall first make an Employer Non-elective Contribution up to the Contribution Limit of the Internal Revenue Code and then pay any excess amount as compensation directly to the Employee. In no instance shall the Employee have any rights to, including the ability to receive,  any excess amount as compensation unless and until the Contribution Limit of the Internal Revenue Code are fully met through payment of the Employer’s Non-Elective Contribution.

5. This agreement shall sunset on December 31, 2019, and shall have no further force or effect, except as to enforce payments due on or after that date. Any such dispute shall be subject to the grievance procedure in the parties’ collective bargaining agreement.

This agreement is subject to the approval of the Board of Education of the District.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval of Settlement Agreement

Request for Approval of Settlement Agreement – Independent Study Grievance

MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mrs. Escobar, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE ROTTERDAM-MOHONASEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE MONHONASEN TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, NYSUT, AFT, NEA, AFL-CIO AND ROBERT HIGGINS

This Settlement Agreement (“Agreement”) is made by and between the Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central School District (“District”), the Mohonasen Teachers’ Association, NYSUT, AFT, NEA, AFL-CIO (“Association”), and Robert Higgins, an employee for the District (“Employee”), hereinafter collectively referred to as “the parties.”

The purpose of this Agreement is to, inter alia, fully and finally resolve this grievance matter.

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Employee is employed by the District as a High School Mathematics Teacher; and

WHEREAS, the Employee is a member of the collective bargaining unit represented by the Association; and

WHEREAS, the Association and the District have entered into a collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) setting forth the terms and conditions of employment for District employees who are represented by the Association; and

WHEREAS, historically the supervision of “independent studies” for students by members of the Association has not been considered an additional class or teaching assignment pursuant to Article III(B)(2)(d) of the CBA and members of the Association have not historically received any additional compensation for performing such duties; and

WHEREAS, for the 2018-2019 school year, the Employee volunteered to supervise a specific, individual student in a comprehensive additional assignment/independent study (Advanced mathematics and BC Calculus) (the “Additional Assignment/Independent Study”), which is separate and unique from the previously referenced, traditional independent study opportunities previously offered in the District (e.g., specific curriculum; regular assessments; regular periods of instruction; etc.). The parties agree that for this specific additional assignment/independent study, the Employee is performing significant academic activities including formulating lesson plans, providing instruction, taking attendance, monitoring progress, and completing grading; and

WHEREAS, on or around September 18, 2018, the Association submitted a Grievance on behalf of the Employee alleging that the at-issue additional assignment/independent study constituted an additional class under the aforementioned provision of the parties’ CBA for which the Employee must be compensated; and

WHEREAS, the grievance was processed through the CBA’s grievance procedure and, having been denied by the District, resulted in the Association filing a Demand for Arbitration with the American Arbitration Association; and

WHEREAS, the parties have determined that it is in their respective best interests to enter into this Agreement, in full and final disposition of all matters in dispute between them, thereby dispensing with the need for and the time, costs, and uncertainty associated with litigation or hearings.

IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

Based upon the unique facts and circumstances relating to this matter and the nature of the Additional Assignment/Independent Study, the District agrees to make a one-time lump sum payment to Grievant in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000).  This payment will be subject to normal payroll deductions and tax withholdings.

The parties recognize that there exists a consistent past-practice whereby members of the Association who, in the past, have solely supervised and monitored independent studies for students in subjects such as art and music, where there has been no evidence of additional significant academic activities previously identified such as formulating lesson plans, providing instruction, taking attendance, monitoring progress, and completing grading, have not been provided with any additional compensation for the performance of such duties and those independent studies have not been deemed to constitute a separate or additional “teaching assignment” under the parties’ CBA. However, the parties recognize that nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Association in the future from filing or litigating a grievance pursuant to the CBA’s contractual grievance procedure should it believe that any future additional assignments/independent studies that incorporate some or all of the above referenced significant academic activities constitute a “teaching assignment” pursuant to Article III(B)(2)(d) of the CBA and there is a disagreement between the parties relating to the applicability of that provision.

Grievance Waiver/Withdrawal and IP Waiver: In consideration of the terms of this Agreement, the Employee and the Association agree to withdraw its grievance relating to the specific facts and circumstances of this matter.  The Employee and the Association agree to waive all rights to file any further grievance relating to specific facts and circumstances of this matter.   In consideration of the terms of the Agreement, the parties have agreed not to file an Improper Practice (“IP”) charge against the District relating to the specific facts and circumstances of this matter.

Reservation of Rights: Notwithstanding the terms of this Agreement, if the same or similar facts or circumstances as this matter arise in the future, the Association reserves the right to avail itself of the grievance procedure provided in the CBA.

4. No Precedent: This Agreement will be a non-precedent agreement applying only to the specific facts and circumstances of this particular matter. This Agreement cannot be used or relied upon by any party as evidence of a practice in responding to such matters in the future, no matter how similar the circumstances may be.
5. Grievance Procedure: The parties agree that the application of this Agreement is subject to the grievance procedure of the collective bargaining agreement.
6. Laws of New York: This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
7. Binder:  This Agreement shall bind the Employee, his heirs, successors, and assigns; the Association, its affiliates, successors, and assigns; and the District, its successors and assigns.
8. Full Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties, supersedes all prior agreements between the parties, and may not be altered, amended, or modified except by a writing executed by both parties.
9. Board Approval: This Agreement is subject to approval by the District’s Board of Education.  Should this Agreement not be approved by the Board of Education, this Agreement shall be deemed null and void.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approval of Establishment of Mohonasen-Schenectady Tennis Teams

Request Approval for Establishment of Mohonasen-Schenectady Tennis Teams for the 2019-2020 School Year

MOTION made by Mrs. Escobar, seconded by Ms. Young, that the Board of Education approve the Request for an initial merger of combined Mohonasen-Schenectady Interscholastic Tennis Teams for the 2019-2020 school year, in accordance with the provisions of NYSPHSAA and Section II.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approved Minutes

MOTION made by Mrs. Young, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that the Board of Education approve the minutes of March 11, 2019.

The motion was passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

Approved Financial Reports

Request to Approve Financial Reports

MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that the Board of Education approve the following Financial Reports:

APPROVED the Treasurer’s Report for the month of February

APPROVED the Cafeteria Financial Statements for the month of February

APPROVED the Budget Status Report for the month of February

APPROVED the Revenue Status Report for the month of February

APPROVED the Budget Transfer Report for the month of February

APPROVED the Payment and Presentation of Claims for the month of February  (Warrant # 8P) and March (Warrant #9)

APPROVED the Extracurricular Activities Reports for the month of February

APPROVED the Collateralization Report for the month of February

APPROVED the Cash Flow Analysis/General Fund Report for the month of February

Warrant # 8P – February 28, 2019

• General Fund – Warrant Schedule #40 #44 – $84,478.74
• School Lunch Fund – Warrant Schedule  #4
• Federal Fund – Warrant Schedule #16 – $691.91
• Capital Fund – Warrant Schedule #13
• Trust & Agency – Warrant Schedule #16 – $1,192,164.93
• TOTAL – Warrant #8P – $1,277,335.58

Warrant #9 – March 15, 2019

• General Fund – Warrant Schedule #45 #46 – $557,721.55
• School Lunch Fund – Warrant Schedule  #18 #17 – $55,253.37
• Federal Fund – Warrant Schedule #17 – $1,896.17
• Capital Fund – Warrant Schedule #12 – $950,827.43
• Trust & Agency – Warrant Schedule #16 – $1,804,572.34
• TOTAL – Warrant #9 – $2,419,443.43

The motion was passed unanimously, five 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, five members present and voting.

Mr. Shine and Board members congratulated the teachers who received their tenure appointments.

Tenure Appointments

Elizabeth Breaznell

• Assignment: Elementary Education
• Effective Date: September 1, 2019

Danielle Coffey

• Assignment: Occupational Therapy
• Effective Date: September 1, 2019

Stephanie Rosselli

• Assignment: Music
• Effective Date: September 1, 2019

Katherine Winslow

• Assignment: ESL
• Effective Date: To be determined

Jessica Rau

• Assignment: Special Education
• Effective Date: September 1, 2019

Lori Burke

• Assignment: Occupational Therapy
• Effective Date: September 1, 2019

Laura Eggleston

• Assignment: ESL
• Effective Date: September 1, 2019

Jennifer Groth

• Assignment: Elementary Education
• Effective Date: September 5, 2019

Rebecca Shea

• Assignment: Science
• Effective Date: September 1, 2019

Marissa Gordon

• Assignment: English
• Effective Date: September 1, 2019

Joshua Sawicki

• Assignment: Social Studies
• Effective Date: October 1, 2019

Paola Cummings

• Assignment: Social Worker
• Effective Date: November 3, 2019

Appointments

Alexandra Wood

• Appointment: Long-Term Substitute
• Assignment: Elementary Education
• Date of Commencement: January 17, 2019
• Expiration Date: Close of business May 31, 2019 (amended from the January 28, 2019 agenda)
• Certification Status: Childhood Education Gr. 1-6, Conditional Initial Step 1, pro-rated

Audrey Yetto

• Assignment: P/T 19 A Trainer
• Effective Dates: February 25, 2019 – June 30, 2019 (amended from the March 11, 2019 Board agenda)
• Salary: $19.64/Hour (amended from the March 11, 2019 Board agenda)

Todd Shafer

• Assignment: P/T Custodian
• Effective Date: March 22, 2019
• Salary: $16.50/Hour

Keeley Herrick

• Assignment: Water Safety Instructor (Level I)
• Effective Date: March 16, 2019
• Salary: $14.00/Hour

Caroline Pecor

• Assignment: Water Safety Instructor (Level I)
• Effective Date: March 16, 2019
• Salary: $14.00/Hour

Caitlin Pusz

• Assignment: Water Safety Instructor (Level I)
• Effective Date: March 16, 2019
• Salary: $14.00/Hour

Sydney Sciocchetti

• Assignment: Water Safety Instructor (Level I)
• Effective Date: March 16, 2019
• Salary: $14.00/Hour

Garrick Smith-Growick

• Assignment: Water Safety Instructor (Level I)
• Effective Date: March 16, 2019
• Salary: $14.00/Hour

SPRING COACHES – 2019

• Position: Girls’ Modified Track
• Coach: Nikki Steel
• Step/Stipend: Step 7

ADULT EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS – SPRING 2019

The current pay rate for instructors is $16.00 per hour for regular classes and $30.00 per hour for computer-related classes.

• Rick Anthony
• 1 Alton Road
• Albany, New York   12203
• LIFE INSURANCE

• Suzanne Amsler
• 631 Currybush Connection
• Schenectady, NY   12306
• REIKI/HUNA

• Janice Simpson
• 55 ALIVE/AARP

• Joanne Darling
• 2862 Rynex Corners Rd
• Pattersonville, NY   12137
• DEFENSIVE DRIVING

• Jack Hochmuth
• 771 Mudge Road
• Delanson, NY   12053
• BOATING SAFETY

• Jen Layton
• Schenectady, NY   12305
• COED VOLLEYBALL

• James Farnum
• PO Box 85
• New Paltz, NY   12561
• FINANCIAL

• Dave Battaglia
• 2049 Greenpoint Avenue
• Schenectady, NY   12303
• BASKETBALL

An agreement has been made to pay these instructors 60% of the total for this course and we receive 40%.  A claim form will be submitted after the classes are completed.

• Jean Sefcovic
• 232 14^th Street
• Schenectady, NY   12306
• YOGA

• Peggy Porter
• 991 Rector Road
• Scotia, NY   12302
• PAINTING

• Keith Warren
• 2019 Greenpoint Avenue
• Schenectady, NY 12303
• PSYCHIC AWARENESS

• Lynn Circe
• 103 Stacey Crest Drive
• Schenectady, NY  12306
• OS PAINT/CROCHET

• Rafael Rojas
• 1042 Bill Road
• Schenectady, NY   12303
• BALLROOM/SWING

• Lexi Godlewski
• 164 County Line Road
• Schenectady, NY   12306
• LIFE COACH

• Karen Nerney
• 129 Brookline Road
• Burnt Hills, NY 12020
• BEADING
• Laurie Zinnershine
• 1129 Fayette Drive
• Schenectady, NY   12303
• ZUMBA

An agreement has been made to pay these instructors 75% of the total for this course and we receive 25%.  A claim form will be submitted after the classes are completed.

• Susan Kaupelis
• 233 State Highway 29A
• Gloversville, NY   12078
• COUNTRY LINE DANCE

Leaves of Absence

Jodi Cole

• Appointment: Monitor
• Effective Dates: September 5, 2018 – March 1, 2019  (amended from the September 10, 2018 Board agenda)
• Reason: Unpaid Leave of Absence

Executive Session

MOTION made by Ms. Young, seconded by Mr. Abbott, that an executive session be convened at 9:38 PM for the discussion of tenure portfolio reviews.  The motion passed unanimously, five 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, five members present and voting.

Adjournment

MOTION made by Ms. Young, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education meeting be adjourned at 10:30 PM.  The motion passed unanimously, five members present and voting.

From l to r: Susan Whitaker, Erin Breslin, Raven Gonzalez, Sophie Mathis, Samantha Dollar, Anna Sherman, Steve LaPointe, Rich Becker.

Senior Sophie Mathis will deliver the keynote address to members of the Class of 2019, after winning Mohonasen High School’s 29th annual Graduation Speaker Contest.

She was one of four students who competed on Thursday, April 11 for the chance to address their classmates at the commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 29 at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady.

Raven Gonzalez and Anna Sherman will deliver the opening and closing remarks at this year’s ceremony. Samantha Dollar will speak at the Senior Breakfast on June 28.

The four seniors took turns delivering their remarks in front of an audience of students, staff and four judges representing the Capital Region business community.

The judges included University at Albany’s Rich Becker, Erin Breslin of the Capital District YMCA, CBS 6’s Steve LaPointe, and Susan Whitaker, formerly of miSci.

“This was a distinguished group of speakers this year who made the judges’ decisions very difficult,” said teacher Tara Halliday, who has coordinated the contest for the last 15 years. “Congratulations to all who participated!”

The Mohonasen community is invited to a very special concert on Tuesday, April 16, featuring well-known jazz musicians Joe Abba and the Gen X Quartet. The group will play alongside our talented high school musicians. The performance will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the high school auditorium as part of the Select Concert.

The concert is free to the public.

The four professional musicians will spend the day of the concert working with both middle school and high school students as part of a special jazz workshop. The visit is intended to help students discover and learn about jazz music.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students,” said Mohonasen Performing Arts Facilitator Kimberly Kondenar. “To have these musicians share their talents and advice with our growing jazz musicians is very special.

“I would encourage everyone in the community to join us on Tuesday evening to enjoy what will certainly be an exciting night of music at Mohonasen.”

Kondenar said the concert will feature the middle school and high school select ensembles and will end with the high school jazz band in collaboration with Joe Abba and the Gen X Quartet.

A special thank you to the Mohonasen Foundation for providing the funding for this very exciting musical treat.

There was a great turnout for April’s Mohonasen Technology Enrichment event as students helped area senior citizens brush up on their technology skills with their smart phones, computers, tablets, navigating the Internet and more. The event was held at the Center for Advanced Technology.

• Mohonasen Technology Enrichment Event Photo Gallery

The following posting has been made. Find all our employment opportunities at mohonasen.org/employment.

12-Month IPS I/Clerical at Pinewood