Board recognizes athletes, discusses planning

MILLBROOK — The Millbrook Board of Education recognized star athletes at the Millbrook Central School District at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Board President Perry Hartswick cited Dylan Vasquez, who qualified for the New York State Class D Cross Country Championship, and the girls’ soccer team, which advanced to the state Class C Final Four under Coach Kelly Mahoney.

The second item on the agenda was a report on interviews with three sets of financial advisors.

The first was from Bernard P. Donegan, Inc., (DBI) formerly known as the Donegan Insurance Agency. The second group was Capital Market Advisors, LLC, an independent registered municipal advisor serving jurisdictions throughout New York state and the northeastern United States. The third group was Fiscal Advisors & Marketing, Inc.,a registered municipal advisory firm with 16 consultants, 13 of which are municipal advisors, skilled in various aspects of New York state local government and school district finance. 

Education Elements, Inc. a firm that specializes in identifying and engaging the students that need support, made a presentation about its student retention program geared  to ensure student success.

A 2022-23 tax refund for two parties was approved: Harold Levy, from $442,800 to $403,700, $359.81; and Lawrence Graham, $745,000 to $ 720,000, $336.99.

The board approved the removal of surplus items, a cafeteria table and surplus Elm Library books.

A Technology Corrective Action Plan was approved based on a New York state Office of the State Comptroller audit of 2021 regarding information technology. The Corrective Action Plan was signed off on by Elliott Garcia, assistant superintendent for business and personnel.

The board approved the creation of a full-time senior custodial worker position in the non-competitive class of the civil service, effective Jan. 1, subject to approval of the Dutchess County Civil Service Commission.

A request for leave from post as teaching assistant was granted to Jessica McRoberts for one year upon being named senior typist, provisional, salary $37,016.90. Nancy O’Hara was appointed receiver of bids for 2022-23 at no increase in salary. A letter of resignation from a custodial worker post was accepted from Kevin Murray.

Board member Dena Ghobashy took the lead in discussing a communication from New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA) that invited the board to weigh in on supporting a program for statewide, permanent free or reduced school meals. The board can send a letter, as furnished by the NYSSBA, to state representatives, or edit it to include district-specific perspectives.

Interim Superintendent Caroline Hernandez Pidala reported on Dutchess Community College course fees.

She noted that there are several winter concerts coming up, including the middle school concert on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Pidala touched on completing grant amendment applications, as well upcoming legislative issues, including civil service shortages, school safety funding and foundation aid money.

The superintendent mentioned several Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) events planned for the year with topics such as Hang up and Drive, Internet Safety, Anti-Bullying Assemblies, Teen Healthy Relationships and a Cyber Bullying Prevention.

There will also be programs on child abuse prevention and safe internet use. These programs are school-specific, age-appropriate, and some will include the parents in the audience.

Assistant Superintendent Garcia reported on staffing updates; the 2022-23 budget preparation and the transportation bid process; instructional technology; and facilities and operations, including the next capital project.

Amy Watkins, executive director for instruction and community relations reported on several topics, including meeting with the Mock Trial Team; the Teacher Internship Update Program; and the start of the observation cycle allowing conversations around instruction with teachers, strategic planning with educational elements.

Tom Libka, Alden Place Elementary School principal, presented on what his students are doing, actions being taken by staff, and the general condition of students and study.

The board reviewed and adopted the 2023-24 school budget calendar.

Some items are the 2023-24 general budget preview and budget development update on Feb. 21; department budget presentations on March 7 and March 21; and a budget development presentation at the March 31 board of education meeting.

The next school board meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m., in the Millbrook Middle School cafeteria.

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