Michael Collins opened the April 20, 2016 meeting of the Board of Education with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. Gary Barno, School Business Administrator, presented the final budget update to the Board and the community. The Public Hearing on the Budget is scheduled for May 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Williamson Middle School Cafeteria.
Mr. Barno reviewed the revenue, expenditures and budget summary for the 2016-2017 school year. The total proposed budget is $22,977,690, an increase of 4.2%. State aid has increased by 4.5% while taxes are expected to decrease approximately 1.9%.The Annual Budget vote is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17, 1:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Williamson Middle School Cafeteria.
Student representatives Olivia Tunley and Kayley DeNagel reported the High School is working on fundraising for prom and other events, the third marking period just ended, and prepping has begun for regents exams and finishing up other units. Prom is on April 30th at Blue Heron Hills Country Club and students have been buying tickets to attend.
Under Reports from Administrators, Marygrace Mazzullo, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, thanked Cathie Abdunnasir for her work in organizing the Learning Fair scheduled for April 23rd at the Williamson Middle School. She stated it is going to be a very well run and well attended event and that teachers and students will be there. This year there is a wellness component to the day, with the help of Lorie Abbott and Brenda Gowan. She thanked everyone involved for their efforts in making this a great event. Hilary Chaya, Assistant Principal, highlighted building custodian, Bruce White, for his hard work and keeping up with how busy the High School has been, stating he is always a pleasure to work with. She recognized Nancy Shay, for her help providing clothing and shoes for three students to go to prom this year. She also thanked the Administrative team for purchasing prom tickets for these students as well.
Ellen Saxby, Principal, Elementary School, expressed her thanks to Paula Shultes for all she has done for the preparation and shipping of tests, she is very organized. She highlighted a math lesson of Kindergarten teacher, Julie Parker. Julie had students working on addition sentences up to 5 with story pictures; the children were very animated during their feedback discussions. Karen Hoody, Elementary School Assistant Principal highlighted a recent band lesson she observed. Caitlin Phillips had 68 enthusiastic students playing musical instruments. She also recognized 2nd grade teachers, Christina Sharp, Steven Parker and Carol Fox and 3rd grade teachers, Jane Brown, Rebeccah Klejment, Lauren Szklany and Stacey Newmyer – their students have volunteered to do book reviews and summaries for the Scholastic Book Fair.
Kate Taylor, Middle School Assistant Principal, reported Middle School Curriculum Night is April 21st; they will be sharing how they integrate technology into education. She highlighted the Middle School students for their perseverance during state testing, they did some pretty intense work and they did a very good job. Kathryn Avery, Principal, High School, thanked Hilary Chaya, Diane Luke, Dan Sherman, Julie Melton, Tracy O’Hara, Dave Cocquyt, Meaghan Piccarreto,
Dusty Shove, Patrick Tyler and Jessica Witulski for their involvement in the High School Curriculum Night and Prism Concert. She highlighted band teacher, Patrick Tyler, who competed at the Boston marathon, he proudly wore a Williamson jersey. Wanda Miller, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, highlighted Special Education teachers, Rachel Liberatore and Phyllis Stookey, they attended the High School Special Education meeting to discuss 8th grade students transitioning to 9th grade, they were a great resource as they were able to focus on their needs and the progress they’ve made. She also announced that Special Olympics is on May 6th and will be held at North Rose Wolcott, High School.
John Fulmer, Principal Middle School, expressed his thanks to Jessica Burggraaff, PTSA liaison for the Middle School, she did a great job providing snacks to students during state testing week. Mr. Fulmer also thanked Ann Dewhirst and Amy Hanna, counselor and social worker, for their skill, persistence and expertise; they work very closely with students experiencing sensitive and challenging situations. He announced PAWS2listen Radio is now available; it can be accessed through the district website by clicking on the Middle School tab, select PAWS2listen. With enough listener hours, they can obtain their license.
Gary Barno, School Business Administrator, provided an update on the State Audit review, on April 21st there is a scheduled exit interview. Superintendent Macaluso provided an update that Harter, Secrest and Emery LLP are getting out of the school law business and that School Attorney, Michael Looby, has left the firm and is working with Ferrara Fiorenza PC. The district has a temporary agreement with him during this transition and recently sent out an RFP in search of a new firm. Last week the Superintendent traveled to Rochester with Project Urge, it was an amazing experience for students; there were 6 different groups in 6 different sites volunteering. He highlighted Tracy O’Hara for her efforts in organizing this great project. The Superintendent provided updates on the budget vote related to the paper ballot process that will take place on May 17th. He also reported on water testing discussions and possible board training dates.
Under Board Committee Reports, Monica Fernaays reported PTSA nominations have been taken. She also reported the Book Fair is next week at the Elementary School, and Teacher and Staff appreciation week is coming up. Robert Wendler reported student presentations were amazing during High School Curriculum Night and the Prism Concert was excellent.
Ellen Saxby, Principal, Elementary School and Karen Hoody, Elementary School Assistant Principal, presented Elementary School Feedback to the Board. They shared examples of teachers using google classroom and how they provide student feedback through grow and glow statements or steps and stars. They shared a video of students demonstrating individual and peer feedback.
The Board approved several CSE Case Summaries. Under the Consent Agenda, the Board approved election inspectors, several volunteers, winter sports supervisors, a long term substitute position, change in appointments and the following:
Additional appointment
• Jean McBride, Probationary Part-time Food Service Worker, 3 hrs/day, 2 days/wk. (Monday and Friday), effective April 21, 2016
Appointment:
• Kayla Yarrow, Physical Education Teacher, Elementary School, effective August 30, 2016
Under New Business, the board adopted the 2016-2017 Williamson Central School District Budget in the amount of $22,977,690. They approved the SEQR Resolution for the 2016-2017 Mini-Project, the list of books to be discarded from the WCS Elementary School Library and Middle School Library, the Class of
2017 Senior Trip to Orlando, Florida from November 17-22, 2016, and the addition of an hourly Grounds Keeper position, on an as needed basis.
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