March 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes

The regular meeting of the Queensbury School Board of Education was held on March 14, 2022 in the High School Queensbury Room.  

Mr. Mannix called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

The Pledge to the Flag was led by Mr. Mannix.

Members Present:   Daniel Mannix, Esq., President, Timothy Weaver, Vice President (virtual), Patricia Belden (virtual), Dawn Bleyenburg,  Francis Cabana,  Stacy Flaherty, Jamey Hardesty, Amy Molloy (virtual), Michael Shea, Ph.D., (virtual), Superintendent of Schools Kyle L. Gannon, Clerk of the Board Scott Whittemore

Members Absent:   None

Others Present:  Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Denise Troelstra, QHS Principal Damian Switzer, QHS Assistant Principal Dan Hamm, QHS Assistant Principal Andrew Snide, QMS Principal Michael Brannigan, QMS Assistant Principal Tiffany Montgomery, WHBI Principal Gwynne Cosh, WHBI Assistant Principal Amanda Denno, QES Principal Jessica Rossetti, QES Assistant Principal Kristin Bergin, CSE Chairperson Robyn Scotland, Director of Instructional Technology John Luthringer, Director of SEL and School Development Raychel Marcil, Director of Health, PE & Athletics Richard Keys, and other employees and community members.

Presentations:  

• Smart Schools – John Luthringer
• Snack Pack Program Recognition – Kyle Gannon, Kristin Bergin, Amanda Denno
• NYSPHSAA Championship Awards – Kyle Gannon, Rich Keys
• Budget Presentation – Scott Whittemore

Open Forum:  

• Iliana S:  commented on masks
• Alyssa:  commented on bus stop

Business Items – Assistant Superintendent for Business:

Motion by Mrs. Flaherty, seconded by Mrs. Belden to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION DATED MARCH 14, 2022

QUEENSBURY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S BOARD OF EDUCATION SEQRA RESOLUTION REGARDING THE 2022 CAPITAL PROJECT INVOLVING CONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING AND THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, INCLUDING RENOVATIONS, ALTERATIONS, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS UPGRADES, AND RE-PURPOSING OF INSTRUCTIONAL SPACE, AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING, AND RENOVATIONS, ALTERATIONS, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS UPGRADES, AND REPLACEMENT OF THE GYMNASIUM BLEACHERS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING (hereinafter the “Project”).

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has had the opportunity to review the Project proposed for the Queensbury Union Free School District. This Project includes the following:

(1) Renovations, alterations and mechanical, electrical and plumbing system upgrades at the Middle School. Areas of renovation include the Music Classrooms, Technology Classrooms, Art Classrooms and the re-purposing of space to create a Fitness Center adjacent to the gymnasium.

(2) Renovations, alterations and mechanical, electrical and plumbing system upgrades at the High School toilet rooms as well as the replacement of deteriorated gymnasium bleachers.

 WHEREAS, the Board of Education has had an opportunity to review the Project with regard to its classification under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (hereinafter referred to as “SEQRA”) and whether it will have any significant adverse environmental impacts;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617.5(c)(2), and (10), the Board of Education hereby declares that this Project be classified as a Type II Action under SEQRA because it consists of routine activities of an educational institution, including expansion of existing facilities by less than 10,000 square feet of gross floor area, or is a replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility, in kind, and it is therefore exempt from SEQRA.

Roll Call:

Patricia Belden: Yes
Dawn Bleyenburg: Yes
Francis Cabana: Yes
Stacy Flaherty: Yes
Jamey Hardesty: Yes
Daniel Mannix: Yes
Amy Molloy: Yes
Michael Shea: Yes
Timothy Weaver: Yes

9 voting in favor

Motion by Mr. Cabana, seconded by Mr. Weaver to approve the following resolution

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Queensbury Union Free School District, Warren County, New York, as follows: 

Section 1. The Board of Education ratifies and approves the establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund identified in the proposition below, subject to the approval of the qualified voters of the School District, and the appropriate officers and administrators of the School District be, and they hereby are, authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to establish the Capital Reserve Fund.

Section 2. The notice of annual meeting of the qualified voters of the School District shall contain the following proposition to be voted upon and shall be in substantially the following form:

PROPOSITION

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education shall establish a Capital Reserve Fund in the ultimate amount of $4,000,000 for the purpose of funding capital projects of the School District, including the construction of additions to and reconstruction of the Queensbury Elementary School. The School District shall fund said reserve by transferring into the Capital Reserve Fund the sum of $4,000,000 from the School District’s current unappropriated fund balance. The probable term of the reserve shall be ten (10) years commencing June 30, 2022 and ending on June 30, 2032. Any expenditures from the Capital Reserve Fund shall only occur by authorization of the voters and for the specific purpose for which the Capital Reserve Fund was established.

Roll Call:

Patricia Belden: Yes
Dawn Bleyenburg: Yes
Francis Cabana: Yes
Stacy Flaherty: Yes
Jamey Hardesty: Yes
Daniel Mannix: Yes
Amy Molloy: Yes
Michael Shea: Yes
Timothy Weaver: Yes

9 voting in favor

Motion by Mrs. Bleyenburg, seconded by Mrs. Flaherty to approve the following resolution:

Roll Call:

Patricia Belden: Yes
Dawn Bleyenburg: Yes
Francis Cabana: Yes
Stacy Flaherty: Yes
Jamey Hardesty: Yes
Daniel Mannix: Yes
Amy Molloy: Yes
Michael Shea: Yes
Timothy Weaver: Yes

9 voting in favor

Motion by Mr. Weaver, seconded by Mrs. Flaherty to accept the resignation for retirement purposes of Robin Cronin, High School Secretary, with sincere appreciation and regret, effective 6/3/22.

9 voting in favor

Consent Business Items:

Motion Mr. Cabana, seconded by Mrs. Molloy to approve the following Business Consent 

Items

9 voting in favor

Motion to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2022 Board of Education meeting.

Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report for the month of January 2022.

Motion to approve the Clerk’s Report, the Internal Claims Audit Report, the General Fund Revenue Report, the Federal Fund Revenue Report, and the School Lunch Fund Revenue Report for the month of February 2022.

Motion to approve the following Warrants for the month of February 2022:

• General Fund February Warrant $3,374,018.25
• Federal Fund February Warrant $30,376.20
• School Lunch Fund February Warrant $   133,658.58
• 2021 Capital Project Fund February Warrant $69,067.82
• MS Roof Project February Warrant $4,576.40
• MS Security Project February Warrant $      11,811.50

Motion to accept the budget transfers for the month of February 2022.

Motion to approve the payment of $1,200 from the General Fund for the 6th grade to participate in the VEX Robotics World Championship.

Motion to approve the payment of $4,260 from the General Fund for the Madrigal Singers uniforms.

Motion to approve the transfer of funds from the General Fund to FBLA to attend the 2022 State Leadership Conference in the amount of $612.

Motion to approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, it is required pursuant to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education that the District file a Board-approved Corrective Action Plan by July 1st, 2022 for the internal auditor report issued by Marvin & Co. for fiscal year 2020-21.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Corrective Action Plan to be submitted to the State Education Department. 

Motion to approve the agreement between Vanderheyden Hall and the Queensbury Union Free School District to provide services for a student who resides in the Queensbury School district effective 1/27/22 – 6/24/22.

Motion to approve the agreement between the Town of Queensbury and the Queensbury Union Free School District to provide shelter should an emergency evacuation occur.

Motion to enter into a contract with Corinth Central School District to provide health and welfare services to students (currently 22 students) who reside in the Queensbury Union Free School District and attend schools located in the Corinth Central School District, effective for the 2021-2022 school year.

Motion to accept the donation of $100 from Sheila M. Brock, with sincere appreciation, for the snack pack program.  

Motion to accept the following support staff resignations:

• David Swift, Substitute Bus Driver, effective 2/15/22
• Suzie Etu, Teacher Aide, effective 3/1/22
• Melynda Jarvis, Teacher Aide, effective 3/1/22
• Kimberlynn Sheffield, Teacher Aide, effective 3/6/22

Motion to approve the appointment of Cary Frechette, as Evening Shift Leader, with a stipend of $2,640 (prorated), effective 2/14/22. 

Motion to approve the support staff appointment of Joseph Wildey, Driver Trainee, $16 per hour, effective 2/14/22.

Motion to approve the following probationary support staff appointments: 

• Kimm Vydareny, Bus Driver, Step 1, effective 3/7/22
• Melynda Jarvis, Teacher Aide (district, assigned to QES), Step 6 (prorated), effective 3/14/22
• Linda Neilson, Teacher Aide (district, assigned to QES), Step 4 (prorated), effective 3/14/22

Motion to approve the substitute support staff appointment of Douglas Fraser, substitute bus driver, $26 per hour, effective 2/28/22.

Motion to approve the following support staff leave of absences of:

• Pennie Bennett, Driver Aide, effective 12/1/21 – 2/16/22  3/25/22
• Kylie Webb, QHS Teacher Aide, effective 12/2/21 – 3/1/22 5/29/22
• David Hammel, Bus Driver, effective 12/2/21 (.896) 2/28/22  – 3/31/22
• Kaitlyn Brewer, Driver Aide, effective 2/7/22
• Suzie Etu, QES Teacher Aide, effective 2/17/22 (½ day)
• Colleen Geczy, School Nurse, effective 2/18/22
• Lisa Knizek, Custodian, effective 2/24/22
• Judy Mabb, Bus Driver, effective 2/28/22 – 3/16/22
• Lorinda Wrye, Bus Driver, effective 3/4/22 – 3/7/22
• Julie Darmetko, Cleaner, effective 3/24/22 (.75) and 4/14/22

Motion by Mr. Cabana seconded by Mrs. Molloy to remove Item R of the agenda regarding a donation.  

8 voting in favor, 1 abstained  

End Business Consent

Educational Items:

Motion by Mrs. Flaherty, seconded by Mrs. Belden to approve the following Long-Term Substitute 

Teacher position:

Cody Stinson

• Assignment:  QMS Social Studies Long-Term Substitute
• Rate: L1 BS + MST + 51 graduate credits (prorated)
• Effective: 2/16/22 – 6/30/22
• Certification: Social Studies 7-12, Initial

9 voting in favor

Motion by Mrs. Molloy, seconded by Mrs. Bleyenburg to approve the following probationary appointment of:

Kimberlynn Sheffield

• Appointment: Four Year Probationary
• Assignment: QMS Teaching Assistant
• Rate: Step 9 (prorated)
• Effective: 3/7/22 – 3/6/26
• Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
• Certification: Teaching Assistant, pending

9 voting in favor

Educational Consent Items:

Motion by Mr. Hardesty seconded by Mrs. Bleyenburg to approve the following Educational Consent

Items:

9 voting in favor

Motion to approve the revised retirement date of Jacqueline Bolton, effective 6/30/22.

Motion to approve the amended long-term substitute appointment of Tina Bureau, Elementary Teacher, effective 10/4/21- 3/24/22 – 6/30/22.

Motion to accept the resignation of Tiffany Montgomery, QMS Assistant Principal, effective 6/30/22.

Motion to approve the memorandum of agreement between the Queensbury Faculty Association and the Queensbury Union Free School District dated February 18, 2022.

Motion to approve the request of the Queensbury High School Spanish students to travel to the Intercultural Language School in Samara Beach, Costa Rica for 8 days during the February vacation of 2023 with the stipulation that the trip could be canceled due to world events.

Motion to approve the following additional club/activities for the 2021-2022 school year effective 3/1/22 – 6/30/22:

High School:

• Club/Activity: Math Club
  • Advisor: Tim Ciampa
    • Classification/Compensation: D – $700 (prorated)
• Young Investors Society
  • Advisor: Kelly Montanye
    • Classification/Compensation: C – $1,400 (prorated)
• Chamber Ensemble
  • Advisor: Gregory Verheyn
    • Classification/Compensation: B – $2,000, A – $3,075

Middle School

• PAWS (Pets and Wildlife Support
  • Advisor: Tabitha McGill
    • Classification/Compensation: D – $700 (prorated)

Intermediate School

• Coding Club
  • Advisor: Wendy Single
    • Classification/Compensation: D – $700 (prorated)
•  Orchestra Practice Club
  • Advisor: Alyssa Verheyn
    • Classification/Compensation: D – $700

Elementary School

• Spartan Steel Band
  • Advisor: Greg Auffredou
    • Classification/Compensation: C – $1,400

Motion to approve the following additional coaching appointments for the Spring 2021-2022 season:

• Kathy McDermott
  • Asst. Softball
    • Group: II
    • Level: 6
•  Jeffrey Fisher
  • Modified B Softball
    • Group: IV
    • Level: 6
• Joe LaLuna
  • Vol. Asst. Boys Lacrosse

Motion to approve the following unpaid leave of absences:

• Joseph Traina, QES Teacher, effective 12/2/21 – 3/1/22 5/29/22
• Cassandra Burrell, Grade 5 Teacher, effective 2/2/22 – 3/29/22 6/30/22
• Nella Vetter, QHS Math Teacher, effective 2/18/22
• Heather Palmer, QHS Art Teacher, effective 3/10/22 – 3/16/22
• Alexandra Sapienza, QMS Social Studies Teacher, effective 3/10/22 (½ day) – 6/30/22
• Cody Stinson, LTS QMS Social Studies Teacher, effective 4/7/22 – 4/8/22

Motion to approve the minutes of the 2021-2022 (1/31, 2/10, 2/14, 2/16, 2/17, 2/28, 3/1, 3/2, 3/3, 3/4, 3/7)  and the 2022-2023 (2/16, 2/18, 3/2, 3/3, 3/4, 3/7) Committee on Special Education meetings and the 2021-2022 (2/9, 2/10, 2/18, 2/28, 3/1, 3/2, 3/4) and the 2022-2023 (3/4) Committee on Preschool Special Education Committee meetings for the month of February 2021.

Board Committee Reports:  

• Facilities:  Tim Weaver – Phase I Capital Project and turf field
• Policy:  Amy Molloy – non resident tuition policy.  Focus on inclusiveness of policy
• Health:  Dawn Bleyenburg re screen time and mental health
• Safety Committee:  Evacuation and fire drills

Board Member Comments:  

• Mr. Weaver:  Play was phenomenal.  Complemented entire team
• Mr. Mannix:  Complemented the play

Open Forum: 

None

Informational Items:

• Wednesday, March 16 – QHS Symphonic Band/QHS Concert Band/QHS Mixed Chorus Concert – 7:00 pm
• Monday, March 21 – QHS Concert Choir/QHS Jazz Band – 7:00pm
• Tuesday, March 22 – QMS Chorus/7&8 Select Show Choir, QHS Jazz Band – 7:00pm
• Wednesday, March 23 – Grade 6 Orchestra/Grade 6 Chorus Concert – 7:00pm
• Thursday, March 24 – QHS String Orchestra/QHS Sinfonietta/QMS 7&8 Orchestra Concert – 7:00pm
• Monday, March 28 – QMS Shared Decision Meeting – 3:00pm
• Monday, March 28 – BOE Budget Workshop/Special Meeting (Tenure Review) – 7:00pm
• Wednesday, March 30 – NYS 3-8 ELA and Mathematics Testing (CBT)
• Wednesday, March 30 – NHS Junior Induction Ceremony – Madrigals – 7:00pm
• Thursday, March 31 – NYS 3-8 ELA and Mathematics Testing (CBT)
• Wednesday, April 6 – BOCES Annual Meeting
• Friday, April 8 – Buildings & Grounds Recognition Day
• Friday, April 8 – QES Shared Decision Meeting – 8:00am
• Monday, April 11 – Board of Education Meeting – 7:00pm
• Tuesday, April 12 – QMS Fiddle Club/QMS/QHS Small String Groups and Quartets – 7:00pm
• Thursday, April 14 – Third Quarter Report Cards Issued
• Friday, April 15 – Friday, April 22 – Spring Recess – no school
• Tuesday, April 26 – Special Board Meeting/BOCES Election 
• Monday, May 9- Budget Hearing (6:30pm)
• Tuesday, May 17 – Budget Vote/Board of Education Election 

Executive Session:   

Motion by Mrs. Belden, seconded by Mr. Weaver to enter into executive session at 8:10 p.m. pursuant to subdivision 1(d) of the Open Meetings Law to discuss pending litigation and pursuant to subdivision 3 of Section 108 of the Open Meetings Law to discuss matters made confidential by Federal or State Law involving attorney-client privileged matters pursuant to Section 4503 of the NYS Civil Practive Law and Rules and pursuant to subdivision 3 of Section 108 of the Open Meetings Law to discuss matters made confidential by Federal or State Law involving student matters pursuant to FERPA.

9 voting in favor

Motion by Mr. Cabana, seconded by Mrs. Flaherty to exit the executive session at 8:34 p.m. 

9 voting in favor

Adjournment:

Motion by Mr. Hardesty seconded by Mrs. Flaherty, to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m.

9 voting in favor