Page 1 of 9June 13, 2017
REGULAR BOARD MEETING APPROVED MINUTES
June 13, 2017
Williamsville, New York
Meeting Place: Boardroom, District Offices, 105 Casey Road, E. AmherstNY, 14051-5000
Present:Mrs. Toni Vazquez, President;
Mr. Mark Mecca, Vice President;
Mrs. Mary Bieger,Parliamentarian;
and other Board Members:
Mrs. Teresa Anne Leatherbarrow, Mr. Shawn P. Lemay, Dr. Patricia M. Losito, Mr. Michael J. Schmidt
Mr. Ronald S. Shubert and Mrs. Suzanne Van Sice.
Not Present:None
Also Present:Dr. Scott G. Martzloff, Superintendent of Schools;
Dr. Anna R. Cieri, Assistant Superintendent for Exceptional Education and Student Services;
Dr. Marie Balen, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction;
Mr. Larry Militello, Acting Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources;
Mr. Thomas R. Maturski, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services;
Ms. Deborah Radice, Manager of Technology Services;
Mrs. Rita M. Wolff, Director of Communications;
Mrs. Mitzie S. Serafin, District Clerk; and visitors.
- PUBLIC SESSION CALL TO ORDER (6:00PM)
The meeting was called to order by the President.
All members of the Board were present except Mr. Mecca and Mrs. Bieger.
Mrs. Vazquez appointed Mr. Shubert to serve as the Vice President and Parliamentarian in the absence of Mr. Mecca and Mrs. Bieger.
MOVED(Leatherbarrow) SECONDED(Lemay) TO ALLOW MRS. BIEGER TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE SECOND EXECUTIVE SESSION VIA TELEPHONE CONFERENCING IF NECESSARY.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 7-0-0
- EXECUTIVE SESSION (6:01PM)
MOVED(Lemay)SECONDED (Van Sice)TO MEET IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS EMPLOYMENT MATTERS RELATING TO PARTICULAR PERSON(S); COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATIONS PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 14 OF THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW AND CURRENT LITIGATION.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY7-0-0
All Board Members were present.
Dr. Martzloff was present.
Also present:
Mr. Matthew C. Van Vessem, Esq., and Mr. Sean Beiter, Esq. (Goldberg Segalla);
Mr. Jeff Swiatek, Esq., (Hodgson Russ LLP);
Ms. Ann Evanko, Esq.,(Hurwitz & Fine, P.C.); and
Ms. Andrea Schillaci, Esq.,(Hurwitz & Fine, P.C.).
Dr. Martzloff left the meeting at 6:47 PM and returned at 6:55 PM.
MOVED(Losito)SECONDED(Lemay) TO RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION AT7:09 PM.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY7-0-0
- REGULAR MEETING PUBLIC SESSION CALL TO ORDER (7:09 PM)
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
President Vazquezcalled the meeting to order.
All members of the board were present except Mr. Mecca and Mrs. Bieger.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The three retiring Board Members, Dr. Losito, Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Shubert,led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The President made the Emergency Fire Announcement and asked those present to turn off cell phones.
With the absence of Mr. Mecca and Mrs. Bieger, Mrs. Vazquez appointed Mr. Shubert as the Temporary Vice President and Parliamentarian.
AGENDA REVIEW
MOVED(Losito)SECONDED(Shubert)TO REORDER THE AGENDA AND CONDUCT THE APPROVAL OF THE TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS AFTER THE APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES; AND ADD A RECESS AFTER THE TENURE APPROVALS TO HOLD A RECEPTION HONORING THE RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS AND THE NEWLY TENURED STAFF MEMBERS; ADD AN ADDENDUM TO THE PERSONNEL CONSENT AGENDA; ADD ITEMS UNDER PERSONNEL D. APROVE RESOLUTION FOR THE 3020-a CASE; AND E. SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT EXTENSION RESOLUTION;AND CONDUCT E. AFTER THE LAST EXECUTIVE SESSION; AND APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
MOTION CARRIED 6-1-0
Leatherbarrow Voted No
- RECOGNITION(7:10PM)
- BOARD RECOGNITION
- SCHOOLS
The Board recognized Williamsville East High School students who won the fifthannual BAND Against Bullying competition held April 27. A video highlighting theperformances from each of the three high schools was shown.
B. RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS
The three outgoing board members, Dr. Patricia Losito, Mr. Michael Schmidt, and Mr. Ronald Shubert, were recognized for their service and they each offered somereflections about their tenure on the Board. Superintendent Scott Martzloffthanked each for their support and leadership saying, “You have made a hugedifference in the lives of our children; you will be missed.”
- BOARD ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mr. Shawn Lemay acknowledged 2011 Eastgraduate Gabrielle Walter, who was crowned Miss New York State May 28.
Mr.Shubert thanked Board President Toni Vazquez for her leadership and service.
- PUBLIC EXPRESSION (Three minute limit per person.)
- Madison Wells-James, 20 Hampton Hill Drive, Williamsville, NY, 14221, regarding diversity/curriculum.
- Jean Milliken Sabol, 554 Tiburon Lane, East Amherst, NY, 14051, class size, etc.
- Lisa MacLeay, 8202 Melissa Renee Court, Williamsville, NY, 14221, regarding recess.
- Kristin Campbell, 110 Rollingwood St., Williamsville, NY, 14221, regarding superintendent’s contract extension.
- Michael Littman, 142 Autumnview, Williamsville, NY, 14221, regarding board member recognition.
- Joshua Gilbert, 16 Drawbridge Court, Getzville, NY, regarding Brett Ransom.
- James Cirski, 115 Lillyridge Drive, East Amherst, NY, regarding Brett Ransom.
- Ruohua Guo, 280 Via Foresta, Williamsville, NY, 14221, regarding class ranking.
- Mary Shapiro, 16 Royalwood Court, Williamsville, NY, regarding Board consequences from their decisions.
- Rebecca Walter, 1715 Hopkins Road, Getzville, NY, regarding Brett Ransom.
- CONSENT AGENDA (CF.V.16-17-16) (8:02 PM)
MOVED(Schmidt)SECONDED (Lemay)TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
- PERSONNEL
- CERTIFIED STAFF
a. Resignations - 3
b. Probationary Appointments - 9
c. Regular Substitute Appointments - 2
d. Change in Location - 1
e. Request for New Position - 1
f. Change in Tenure Date - 1
g. Summer School - 5
h. Active Substitute Teachers - 1
i. Inactive Substitute Teachers - 5
j. Active Home Instructors - 2
k. Inactive Home Instructors- 7
2. CLASSIFIED-SUPPORT STAFF
a. Resignations/Retirements - 9
b. Change in Personnel Status -1
c. Change in Location/Transfer - 1
d. Temporary Assignment-1
e. Leave of Absence (Unpaid) - 1
f. Substitute Appointments-6
h. Inactive Substitutes - 3
i. Summer School Appointments- 3
j. Summer School Resignations - 2
k. Summer School Corrections - 4
3. ADDENDUM CERTIFIED STAFF
a. Regular Substitute - 1
b. Probationary Appointment - 2
c. Change in Leave of Absence Date - 1
4. ADDENDUM CLASSIFIED-SUPPORT STAFF
a. Appointments - 1
b. Change in Location/Transfer - 1
c. Change in Personnel Status - 8
d. Temporary Assignment - 1
B. BUSINESS ITEM
- BID AWARDS
a. Athletic Supplies – Opened 5/15/17
VendorLine ItemsAmount
Laux Sporting Goods 59$33,992.56
BSN Sports 42$12,113.95
Pyramid School Products 14$ 4,091.00
Bill Fritz Sports 1$ 1,350.00
Great Skate 2$ 1,320.00
Plaques & Such 2$ 1,180.00
School Specialty 3$ 1,176.63
Jim Ludtka Sporting Goods 1$ 1,087.20
Riddell 1$ 567.00
AAE 1$ 440.00
School Health Corp 1$ 349.30
Total127$57,667.64
b. Athletic Uniforms - Opened 5/15/17
Vendor:Line ItemsAmount
AdPro Sports39$42,322.00
BSN Sports20$21,451.70
Laux Sporting Goods 1$ 3,300.00
Total60$67,073.70
c. iPad & Chromebook Repairs – Opened 5/15/17
VendorAvg. $/ RepairAvg. $/ Repair
IPADsChromebooks
I Fix Your I Corp$56.99$55.99
d. Roofing Repair Services – Opened 5/17/17
VendorLabor Rate Per Hour
Grove RoofingForeman $78.00
Journeyman$71.00
Apprentice$59.00
- DONATIONS
a. $ 500 to purchase library books for the Haim Elementary School Library from
The Jacquie Hirsch For A.L.L. Foundation.
b. $ 6,585 to North High School to update directional signage to be installed in hallways of the
building from the North High School PTSA.
c. $ 230 to Transit Middle School to purchase a tree from the Transit Middle School’s Social
Committee.
- SALE AND DISPOSAL OF DISTRICT PROPERTY
4. MONTHLY CASH REPORT- APRIIL
5. CLAIMS AUDITOR REPORTS-APRIL
6. GENERAL FUND ANALYSIS - APRIL
7. CHILD NUTRITION REPORT- APRIL
8. EXTRA CLASSROOM ACTIVITY REPORT -APRIL
9. EXTRA CLASSROOM ACTIVITY FUND DISTRICT INTERNAL AUDIT
C. SPECIAL NEEDS & STUDENT ACTIVITIES
- COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION
- COMMITTEE ON PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION
→Mr. Mecca arrived a t 8:08 PM
MOTION CARRIED 7-0-1
Mecca Abstained
Jason Lehmbeckthe newly appointedassistant principal at Williamsville North addressed the Board. Mr. Lehmbeck
has been an assistant principal at Fairport High School outside of Rochester for the past two years and was previously a high schoolPE/Health teacher in Fairport CSD for 18 years. His appointment is effective July 10, 2017.
The Board President thanked retirees for their service to the District as follows:
Deborah Coyne, Student Services PT Clerk Typist for 3 years of service;
Donna DeLeon, Transit Middle Computer Support Tech for 23 years of service;
Mary Hagner, Maple West Elementary PT Teacher Aide for 25 years of service;
Charles Panepinto, Transportation Bus Driver for 21 years of service; and
Nancy Peters, North High PT Teacher Aide for 25 years of service.
. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES(CF.VI.16-17-16) (8:10 PM)
- REGULARBOARD MEETING MAY23, 2017
MOVED(Lemay)SECONDED(Shubert)TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD
MEETING HELD ON MAY 23, 2017.
MOTION CARRIEDUNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0
CONDUCTED ITEM (8:11 PM)
RECESS
The Board President called for a recess to hold a reception to honor the retiring board members and the tenured employees.
VII. PRESIDENT’S REPORT (CF.VII.16-17-16) (8:45 PM)
- ECASB
- ANNUAL DINNER JUNE 1, 2017, SALVATORE’S
Mr. Mecca, Mr. Lemay, Mr. Shubert and Mrs. Leatherbarrow attended. Mrs. Letherbarrow was thanked for preparing and donating a basket for the event’s raffle.
- MANDATED NEW BOARD TRAINING
All three newly elected Board Members were registered for the ECASB mandated new board training June 10 for the Governance Training and June 17 for the FORT Training.
- NYSSBA
- MEMBERS RECEPTION
NYSSBA will hold a Complimentary Member Reception on Tuesday, June 27, at Statler City, 107 Delaware
Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14202 5:30 -7:30 PM.
- BOARD GOALS- YEAR END REPORT(8:47 PM)
The Board received the Board’s Year End Board Goals Report.
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT (CF.VIII.16-17-16) (8:48 PM)
- COMMUNITY UPDATE
Dr. Martzloff thanked Mr. Militello, who is retiring in July, for service to the District and his nearly 40 years in education. Dr. Martzloff reported that Mr. Militello will continue on a part-time basis during the summer.
- DISTRICT GOALS- YEAR END REPORT
The Board received the 2016-2017 District Goals Year End Report.
- PRESENTATION ON CLASS RANK
Assistant Superintendents Dr. Marie Balen and Dr. Anna Cieri, and school counselors from each of the high
schools provided an overview on class rank including past and current practice They shared results from a survey conducted in June2016. According to Dr. Cieri, 1,770 students (high school and eighth graders) and 813 parents, as well as high school staff membersresponded to the online survey last year. The overwhelming percentage supported eliminating class rank citing the need to alleviatestress and the lack of uniformity across schools on how students were ranked. Most respondents said class rank creates undue stressand anxiety for students. Those respondents in favor of retaining class rank cited motivation and scholarships as their top reasons.
The research presented showed that almost 60 percent of high schools across America do not rank their students and that theimportance of class rank as a factor in the college admission decision process has declined over the past decade. Future considerationsincluded the elimination of class rank, beginning with incoming ninth graders (class of 2021) and the need to develop a school‐basedprocess for selecting student graduation speakers. Also, the need to communicate the change with parents and middle schoolcounselors.
Board members commended the group on its research, feedback and presentation. Board action on class rank is expected in the nearfuture. [The Class Rank PowerPoint presentation is available on the district
website, ]
→Mr. Mecca left the room at 8:48 PM and returned at 8:52 PM.
→Mr. Shubert left the room at 9:17 PM and returned at 9:20 PM.
IX. FINANCE(CF.IX.16-17-16) ( 9:26 PM)
- APPROVE RESERVE FUNDING
MOVED(Shubert)SECONDED(Van Sice) TO RESOLVE TO AUTHORIZE THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO TRANSFER GENERAL FUND EXPENSES TO THE APPROPRIATE RESERVES AND FUND RESERVES AT APPROPRIATE LEVELS THAT ARE SUPPORTED BY DOCUMENTATION PER BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY 5515.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY8-0-0
- AUTHORIZE TAX CERTIORARI FUNDING
MOVED(Shubert)SECONDED(Van Sice)TO RESOLVE TO RE-ESTABLISH THE TAX CERTIORARI RESERVE AT $400,000 AS OF JUNE 30, 2017.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY8-0-0
- APPROVE ERIE 1 BOCES INSTALLMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
MOVED(Schmidt)SECONDED(Lemay) TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE DISTRICT’S ERIE 1 BOCES INSTALLMENT PURCHASE CONTRACT AS PRESENTED.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY8-0-0
- APPROVE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ASSESSMENT (SEQRA) RESOLUTION
MOVED(Shubert)SECONDED(Van Sice) TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ASSESSMENT (SEQRA) AS PRESENTED.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY8-0-0
X. LIAISON REPORTS(CF.X.16-17-16) (9:28 PM)
Board Members were asked to send their conference/liaison reports to Mrs. Serafin.
XI. LEGISLATIVE(CF.XI.16-17-16) (9:28 PM)
No matters were discussed.
XII. CURRICULUM(CF.XII.16-17-16) (9:29 PM)
- ADOPT TEXTBOOKS
MOVED(Losito)SECONDED(Schmidt) TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE TEXTBOOK AS FOLLOWS:
Title: Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology Author: Martini and Bartholomew
Copyright Date: 2013 Edition: 6
Publisher: PearsonSubject Area: Science
Grade Level: CollegeUnit Cost: $119.97
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY8-0-0
XIII. PERSONNEL(CF.XIII.16-17-16)(9:30 PM)
- APPROVE TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS/TENURE RECEPTION
MOVED(Shubert)SECONDED(Schmidt) TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Kate Bagley, Dodge Elementary Special Education 09/02/17
Katie Cageao, Transit Middle Social Worker 08/26/17
Maureen Catanzaro, Maple West Elementary 8/26/17
Jillian Cusenz, AIM Social Studies 08/26/17
Stacy Dailey, Maple West Elementary Special Education 08/26/17
John DeLellis, East High Technology 08/26/17
James Flowers, North High Social Studies 08/26/17
Leanne Meidenbauer, District-Wide Speech Language Pathologist 09/08/17
Brandon Morrisey, Dodge Elementary School Media Specialist 08/26/17
Minerva Moya, Transit Middle ESL 09/01/17
Rebecca Norton, Dodge Elementary School Psychologist 08/26/17
Kimberly Pfeffer, East High ESL 09/01/17
Chelsea Russell, South High English 089/26/17
Kelly Saramak, East High Special Education 08/26/17
Elisabeth Spada, East High Science 098/26/17
Shauna Taglis, North High English 11/19/17
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY8-0-0
- APPROVE RESOLUTION FOR SUMMER HIRING
MOVED(Lemay)SECONDED(Schmidt) TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION FOR SUMMER HIRING AS FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, the infrequency of meetings of the Board of Education during the summer months delays the formal appointment of staff needed for the 2017-18 school year, and
WHEREAS, candidates recommended for positions may take positions elsewhere if their appointments are delayed, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Schools be authorized, from July 6, 2017 to August 7, 2017 only, to offer candidates appointments, other than administrative positions, provided that the names of such candidates have been sent to the Board of Education at least seven days prior to said offer of employment, and further provided that no member of the Board of Education has raised any questions about any candidate, and be it further resolved that the Board of Education will officially approve such appointments at its regularly scheduled meeting subsequent to offers of employment by the Superintendent in accordance with above procedure.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0
- APPROVE THE FUNDING FOR THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS AND THE CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES
MOVED(Lemay)SECONDED(Shubert) TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE FUNDING OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS AND THE CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES AS PRESENTED.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY8-0-0
- ADOPT RESOLUTION FOR 3020-a CASE- KIM A. KIRSCH, Ed.D.
MOVED(Losito)SECONDED(Schmidt)TO RESOLVE THAT EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, PURSUANT TO EDUCATION LAW 3020-a (4), THE BOARD HEREBY IMPLEMENTS THE JUNE 12, 2017 DECISION RENDERED AND PENALTY IMPOSED BY HEARING OFFICER JOHN T. TRELA TERMINATING KIM A. KIRSCH FROM HER POSITION AS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND THE BOARD FURTHER AUTHORIZES THE SUPERINTEDENT TO TAKE ANY AND ALL FURTHER ACTION ON BEHALF OF THE DISTRICT AS MAY BE REQUIRED TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION AND TO IMPLEMENT THE DECISION AND PENALTY.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY8-0-0
Prior to the vote, Mrs. Van Sice stated that she was going to table the vote due to the unfortunate timing of the hearing officer’s ruling. But by law, said she was voting on the resolution as part of her Board obligation. Mrs. Leatherbarrow echoed those sentiments.
Dr. Martzloff read a brief statement, thanking several individuals and saying: “It is my fervent desire that
this strongly worded decision will close the matter on issues identified by the hearing officer as frivolous and that as a schoolcommunity we can continue to keep our focus where it belongs, on the wonderful students and families of our district.”
Dr. Martzloff thanked Mr. Matthew C. Van Vessem, Esq., and Mr. Sean Beiter, Esq. (Goldberg Segalla) for their
work in obtaining a successful decision on behalf of the District.
- SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT EXTENSION
The matter was removed from the agenda by Board consensus.
XIV. DISTRICT FACILITIES & SUPPORT SERVICES(CF.XIV.16-17-16) (9:55 PM)
- FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT PLAN UPDATE
The Board received updates on work associated with the District’s comprehensive facilities plan, including the athletic field projects at East and South, which are on track to be completed in September.
- APPROVE RESOLUTION FOR AUTHORITY TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS
MOVED(Losito)SECONDED(Mecca) TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION FOR AUTHORITY TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS AS PRESENTED.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0
- APPROVE SEQR FOR SMART SCHOOL BOND PROJECT
MOVED(Schmidt)SECONDED(Losito) TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) RESOLUTION FOR THE DISTRICT-WIDE SMART SCHOOL BOND PROJECT AS PRESENTED.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0
- APPROVE INCREASE IN CHILD NUTRITION BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MEAL PRICES
MOVED(Van Sice)SECONDED(Schmidt) TO RESOLVE TO APPROVE THE INCREASE IN CHILD NUTRITION BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MEAL PRICES FOR 2017-18 AS FOLLOWS:
2017-18 Lunch Costs
Grades K-4 = $2.30
Grades 5-12 = $2.60
2017-18 Breakfast Costs
Grades K-8 = $1.40
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0
- ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT
The Board received the Environment Committee Report for the committee’s work and actions in the 2016-2017 school year.
XV. SPECIAL NEEDS AND STUDENT ACTIVITIES(CF.XV.16-17-16) (9:40 PM)
- ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE AND PERFORMANCE RESULTS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The Board reviewed the annual report on Compliance and Performance Results for Students with Disabilties.
XVI. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE(9:40 PM)
MOVED(Schmidt)SECONDED(Losito) TO RESOLVE TO NAME THE ATHLETIC FIELDS AS FOLLOWS:
NORTH HIGH SCHOOL- SCOTT MARTZLOFF FIELD
SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL- KEVIN LESTER FIELD
EAST HIGH SCHOOL - DR. JAMES RUSIN FIELD
MOTION CARRIED 5-3-0
Vazquez, Lemay, Losito, Schmidt, Shubert-Yes
Mecca, Leatherbarrow, Van Sice- No
Bieger- Not present
MOVED(Van Sice)SECONDED(Schmidt) TO RESOLVE TO ELIMINATE CLASS RANK.
MOVED (Lemay) SECONDED (Leatherbarrow) TO TALBE THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED 5-3-0
Shubert, Losito, Schmidt- Voted No