Westport Central School District
Regular Board of Education Meeting
Place: Superintendent’s Office
1. Call to Order
A. Roll Call
√ Alice LaRock
Thursday, August 13, 2015
OFFICIAL MINUTES
at: 6:01 PM
√ Jim Carroll
√ Dwayne Stevens
B. Introduction of Attendees
Also Present: Cynthia Ford-Johnston, Superintendent
Jana Atwell, District Clerk
Sharlene Petro-Durgan, District Treasurer
Adam Facteau, Principal
C. Pledge of Allegiance
Time: 6:00 PM
by: President LaRock
√
Tom Kohler - absent
Sue Russell – arrived 6:05 PM
Visitors: Cathy Brankman
2. Financial
1. Resolved that the Board of Education accepts and approves the following financial reports:
- Warrant Report 12E Dated 6/30/15
- Warrant Report 1A Dated 7/8/15
- Warrant Report 1B Dated 7/22/15
- Warrant Report 1C Dated 7/29/15
- Payroll Bank Account Reconciliation as of 6/30/15
- Multi-Fund Bank Account Reconciliation as of 6/30/15
- Treasurer’s Report for Multi-fund Month of June 2015
- Cafeteria Profit & Loss Statement September 2014 – June 2015
- Extra-curricular Activity Report 6/1/15 to 6/30/15
- Budgetary Transfer Report from 6/1/15 to 6/30/15
- Budgetary Transfer Report from 7/1/15 to 7/31/15
Motion: Jim Carroll
Seconded: Dwayne Stevens
Yes: 3 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
2. Tax Levy
RESOLUTION: Confirming the tax rolls and authorizing the tax levy:
The Board of Education has been authorized by the voters at the Annual Meeting to raise for the current
budget for the 2015-2016 school year a sum not to exceed $3,446,676.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Board fix equalized tax rates by the towns and confirm
the extension of taxes as they appear on the attached roll (form for equalizing taxes):
AND BE IT HEREBY DIRECTED THAT THE DELINQUENT TAX PENALTIES SHALL BE
FILED AS FOLLOWS:
September 1, 2015 – September 30, 2015
October 1, 2015 - October 31, 2015
November 1, 2015 – November 2, 2015
 No Penalty
 2% Penalty
 3% Penalty
RESOLUTION: Authorizing the issuance of the tax warrant
WHEREAS: Chapter 73 of the laws of 1977, amended section 1318, subdivision 1 of the Real Property
Tax Law; and
WHEREAS: The entire unreserved fund balance at the close of the last fiscal year must be applied in
determining the amount of the school tax levy except for an amount not to exceed the maximum percent
allowed by of the current school year budget; and
WHEREAS: This later amount may be held as surplus funds during the current school year; now
therefore
BE IT RESOLVED: That the Board of Education retain as surplus funds approximately $268,695 from
the total approximate fund balance of $1,037,873 thereby applying $35,811 to the reduction of the tax
levy.
BE IT ADDITIONALLY RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: To the Collector of Westport Central School
District No. 1, town(s) of Elizabethtown, Essex, Lewis, Moriah and Westport, County of Essex, New
York State, you are commanded:
1. To give notice and start collection on September 1, 2015 (in accordance with provisions
of section 1322 of the Real Property Tax Law).
2. To give notice that the tax collection will end on November 2, 2015.
3. To collect taxes in the amount of $3,446,676 in the manner collectors are authorized to
collect town and county taxes in accordance with the provisions of section 1318 of the
Real Property Tax Law and as approved by the voters at the annual meeting to collect
taxes in the amount of $22,000 for the public libraries and to turn over to the Westport
Library Association $15,000 and to the Wadhams Free Library $7,000.
4. To make no changes or alterations in the tax warrant or the attached tax rolls but shall
return the same to the Board of Education. The board may recall its warrant and tax
roll for correction of errors or omission in accordance with the provision of section 553
of the Real Property Tax Law.
5. To forward by mail to each owner of real property listed on the tax rolls within ten days
after the start of collection a statement of taxes due on his property on pressednumbered tax bill forms provided by the school district in accordance with the
provisions of section 922 of the Real Property Tax Law. To forward by mail, without
interest penalties to the office of the County Treasurer, a detailed tax bill of all state
land parcels liable for taxes on the school tax rolls in accordance with provisions of
section 540 and 5445 of the Real Property Tax Law.
6. To receive from each of the taxable corporations and natural persons the sum listed on
the attached tax rolls without interest penalties where such sums are paid before the end
of the first month of tax collection. To add 2% interest penalties to all taxes collected
during the second month of the tax collection and to add 3% interest penalties to all
taxes collected during any part of the third month of the tax collection period and to
account for such as income due to the school district.
7. To issue press-number receipts only on forms provided by the school district in
acknowledgment of receipt of payments of taxes and to retain, preserve and file exact
copies of all such receipts issued as required by section 987 of the Real Property Tax
Law.
8. To promptly return the warrant at its expiration and if any taxes on the attached tax
rolls shall be unpaid at that time, deliver an accounting on forms showing by town the
total assessed valuation, tax rate, and total tax levy, the total amounts remaining
uncollected as required by section 1330 of the Real Property Tax Law.
The warrant is issued pursuant to sections 910, 912, and 914 of the Real Property Tax Law and is
delivered in accordance with sections 1306 and 1318 of this law. It is effective immediately after it is
properly signed by a majority of the Board of Education. This warrant shall expire on the dates dated
above unless a renewal or extension has been endorsed on the face of this warrant in writing with
section 1318, subdivision 2 of the Real Property Tax Law.
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Sue Russell
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
3. Public Comment (15 minutes)
Our agenda offers two Public Comment sections, one at the beginning of the meeting and the other at the
end. At this time we have set aside a 15 minute period giving anyone in the audience time to share their
thoughts with us. Please raise your hand and be acknowledged by the Board President. When called
upon, please identify yourself and give your address, limiting your comments to three (3) minutes. Your
opinions, ideas and concerns will be considered and taken under advisement.
Floor was opened for public comment, none voiced.
4. CSE Recommendations
Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the approval of the
CSE recommendation for the following student 003-15-16, 504-06-13, 002-15-16, 504-01-16, 001-14-15,
504-02-15, 504-01-15, 504-01-11, 009-12-13, 001-13-14, 004-12-13, 010-14-15, 008-13-14, 003-12-13,
001-11-12, 002-08-09, 003-06-07, 504-09-14, 003-10-11, 007-12-13, 005-12-13, 003-09-10, 006-13-14,
504-07-13, 504-07-10, 504-03-15, 002-14-15, 008-14-15, 504-02-13, 006-12-13, 011-14-15, 012-13-14,
504-01-14, 504-04-15 and 001-15-16.
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Jim Carroll
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
5. Reports/Presentations
A. Superintendent’s Report
- Substitute Pay Rates – Motion by Jim Carroll, seconded by Dwayne Stevens to adopt the wage
increases as presented. Motion carried.
(Approved 7/10)
2015
Current
Recommended
Substitute Position Hourly / Daily
Rate of Pay
Rate of Pay
Teacher (certified)
Daily
$75.00 (7/15)
$78.00
-
-
Teacher (noncertified)
Teacher Assistant
Daily
$65.00 (7/15)
$68.00
Daily
$60.00
$65.00
Teacher Aide
Daily
$55.00
$63.00
Monitor
Daily
$55.00
$63.00
Nurse
Daily
$65.00
$65.00
Food Service
Helper
Non-Instructional
Clerical
Bus Driver
Cleaner
Hourly
$8.55
$9.00
Hourly
$8.75
$9.00
Hourly
Hourly
$13.60
$9.20
$13.60
$9.30
Back to School Night September 2, 2015 – Superintendent Ford-Johnston extended an invitation
to the members of the Board to attend the Back to School Night from 5 – 6:30 PM in the
auditorium.
2015 – 2016 School Year (schedule change) – The new schedule was reviewed. Note the official
start time is now 8:00 AM.
September BOE Meeting Date – It may be necessary to schedule a special meeting on Thursday,
September 3rd. The regular monthly meeting will be held on September 9th.
Sharing Transportation – The shared transportation study is moving forward.
Sports Update – A fall sports meeting was held on August 6th at ELCS for all students (WCS &
ELCS) interested in participating in fall sports. The meeting was well attended.
B. Principal’s Report
- Student reports for the 3-8 grade testing are now available. Overall, WCS students did well.
- Orientation will be held for 7th grade students and new and returning CV-TEC students on
August 25th. Kindergarten orientation will be held August 25th – 27th.
- A local family will be hosting a 10th grade foreign exchange student. There is the possibility that
another exchange student may be attending WCS if a host family can be located.
C. Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds Report
- Cleaning and waxing is now complete allowing teachers to get into their rooms beginning next
week.
- Painting is now underway throughout the building.
D. Board Committee Reports
- Youth Commission 8/3/15 – Getting ready for fall sports.
-
6. Long Range Planning
 Administrative Structure
o Superintendent/Administrative Positions 1/14/10, 9/9/10, 10/7/10, 11/9/10, 3/13/14,
4/10/14, 6/11/15
o Meeting with Area Superintendents & Board Presidents 12/16/10, 1/13/11, 9/15/11,
10/13/11, 11/10/11, 12/13/11, 3/1/12, 3/14/13, 9/12/13, 4/10/14, 5/8/14, 11/19/14
 Shared Services
o Funding Assistance 7/6/09, 12/12/13, 5/8/2014 (Crest Solar), 6/12/14
o Sharing Services Between Districts 1/8/13, 2/14/13, 3/14/13, 4/11/13, 5/7/13, 6/13/13,
7/11/13, 8/8/13, 10/10/13, 12/12/13, 6/12/14, 10/9/14, 8/13/15 – A joint meeting was held
on August 4th in Elizabethtown. Progress is being made as it was decided a shared Director of
Student Support Services position would be posted and a motion advising the ELCS and WCS
Boards’ intent is to move forward with a two year contractual obligation to share Superintendent
Scott Osborne effective July 1, 2016 was unanimously approved.
7. Minutes
Resolved that the Board of Education does hereby approve the minutes of the meeting of the Board of
Education held on
- July 9, 2015 (Reorganization & Regular Meeting) as presented
- July 14, 2015 (Special Meeting) as presented
- July 23, 2015 (Special Meeting) as presented
- August 3, 2015 (Special Meeting) as presented
- August 4, 2015 (Joint Meeting with ELCS) as presented
Motion: Jim Carroll
Seconded: Dwayne Stevens
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
8. New Business
A. Personnel
1. Appointments– Frenyea, Perreault, Smith, Mason and Campagna
Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the appointment of:
a) Holly Frenyea to the position of long-term substitute Elementary Teacher effective September
2, 2015 at a total salary of $46,494.26 for the 2015-2016 school year. The salary includes
$42,090 (Step 2) and $4,404.26 (42 credit hours),
b) Erica Perreault to the position of long-term substitute Social Studies Teacher effective
September 2, 2015 at a total salary of $43,055.54 for the 2015-2016 school year. The salary
includes $41,168 (Step 1) and $1,887.54 (18 credit hours), and
c) Amanda Smith as substitute nurse at a daily rate of $65 effective September 2, 2015 pending
receipt of fingerprint clearance,
d) Edward Mason as a non-certified substitute teacher at a daily rate of $65 $68 effective
September 2, 2015 pending receipt of fingerprint clearance, and
e) Ryan F Campagna to a probationary appointment in the tenure area of English at an anticipated total salary of $54,092.80 which includes, $47,801 (Step 8) and $6,291.80 (66 credit
hours paying up to 61 credit hours per current WEA Contract Article 25 section 4A3) pending
the receipt of official transcripts. The date of commencement of probationary service will be
September 2, 2015 with the expiration date of date of the appointment being June 30, 2019.
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Jim Carroll
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
2. Child Rearing Leave - Kelly
Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the approval of the
request for maternity leave as submitted by Erin Kelly beginning in August and ending approximately six
(6) weeks upon the birth of her child and release from the hospital.
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Jim Carroll
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
3. Extra-curricular Appointment – Lobdell
Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the appointment of
Keith Lobdell to the extra-curricular position of Modified Girls’ Soccer Coach for the 2015-2016 school
year at the stipend per the current WEA Contract Article 25 section 11.
Motion: Jim Carroll
Seconded: Sue Russell
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
4. Resignation
5. Intent to Retire
6. Request to End Employment
7. Tenure
8. Leave of Absence Request
9. Termination
10. Elimination of Position
B. Miscellaneous
1. Personal Service Agreement Amendment – Callahan
Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the amendment of
William Callahan’s 2015-2016 Personal Service Agreement to reflect ten (10) vacation days.
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Jim Carroll
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
2. Amendment to Probationary Appointments – Lackey and Waite
a) Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the amendment of
Tonya Lackey’s expiration date for her probationary appointment. The date of commencement of
probationary service will be September 2, 2015 with the expiration date of the appointment being June
30, 2019.
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Jim Carroll
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
b) Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the amendment of
Tracy Waite’s probationary appointment as follows: temporary appointment of Tracy Waite to the
position of Reading Teacher effective September 2, 2015 at a total salary of $44,628.49 which includes
$41,168 (Step I) and $3,460.49 (33 credit hours). This appointment will fill a leave of absence for
Lorraine Hathaway.
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Jim Carroll
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
3. Inventory Corrections (Removal of Items)
Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the removal of the
following items from inventory as they were personal property incorrectly tagged:
- Asset tag #A00515004 – mixer
- Asset tag #A00515005 – computer
- Asset tag #A00515003 – light board
Motion: Sue Russell
Seconded: Dwayne Stevens
Yes: 5 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
4. Facility Use Requests – WPTSO x2
Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the approval of the
Facility Use Requests as submitted by WPTSO:
a) for the use of the gym, hallway, kitchen and cafeteria for the purpose of hosting the Annual
Fun Run on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 7:30 AM – noon and
b) for the use of the gym, hallway, kitchen and cafeteria for the purpose of hosting the WPTSO
Volleyball Tournament on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 4 – 10 PM.
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Sue Russell
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
5. Adult Education Sponsorship Agreement
Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the approval of the
Adult Education Sponsorship Agreement with CV-TEC as presented. (See attached.)
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Sue Russell
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Accept
C. Policy
1. Data Networks and Security Access (#5674) – Third Reading & Adoption
Resolved that the Superintendent of Schools recommends to the Board of Education the adoption of
policy #5674 as presented by Erie I Policy Services.
Motion: Jim Carroll
Seconded: Dwayne Stevens
Yes: 4 No: 0
Abstain:
Accept
9. Additional Items to Discuss
All Board members were in favor of proceeding with the proposed Principal interview process as
presented by Superintendent Ford-Johnston.
10. Public Comment (15 minutes)
Our agenda offers two Public Comment sections, one at the beginning of the meeting and the other at the
end. At this time we have set aside a 15 minute period giving anyone in the audience time to share their
thoughts with us. Your opinions, ideas and concerns will be considered and taken under advisement.
Questions or concerns needing an explanation or further information will be addressed at our next regular
meeting.
Dwayne Stevens reiterated his statement as quoted in the Press Republican article from the recent joint
school board meeting “in order for the process (shared services) to work correctly all (faculty, staff, and
administration) must communicate.”
11. Executive Session
(#6) The medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters
leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or
removal of a particular person or corporation.
In: 7:00 PM
Accept
Motion: Sue Russell
Seconded: Dwayne Stevens
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
Out: 7:31 PM
Accept
Motion: Jim Carroll
Seconded: Dwayne Stevens
Yes: 4 No: 0 Abstain: 0
No action taken.
12. Adjournment
Time: 7:32 PM
Motion: Dwayne Stevens
Seconded: Jim Carroll
Next Meeting: Regular Meeting Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the Teacher Resource
Room
Minutes are not official until approved by the Board.
Date approved by the BOE: September 10, 2015
___________________________________________
Jana Atwell, District Clerk