CorpusRecord 139870

Clarence Schools Board Meeting - June 9, 2025

A searchable transcript preserved as part of the Discourse Corpus. Passage numbers provide stable references within this record; verify quotations against the original recording when available.

Source
YouTube / Clarence Central School District
Date
2025-06-10
Location
Erie County, NY
Material
Transcript
Extent
4,072 words · about 23 min
Collected
2026-06-21

Transcript

Verbatim source text

001At 7 o'clock, I'd like to call our meeting to order. Um, if everybody could please rise for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We are down. Uh, one board member uh this evening, Mr. Balioli, will not be joining us for regular session. Um, first up, could I get approval of tonight's agenda? I'll make a motion. Thank you, Trisha. Do I have a second? A second. Thank you, Cindy. All those in favor? I I That carries. Uh in our packet, we have one uh set of meeting minutes to approve and that is from our last board meeting that took place on May 12th. Um both the public session as

002well as executive session. If there's no questions or edits, could I get a motion to approve? I'll make a motion. Thank you, Dennis. Do I have a second? I'll second. Mike, thank you, Adrian. All those in favor? I I that carries. Okay. Uh next up is announcements, I guess. Um before turning over to the board, I'll just make uh one announcement. Uh you might notice that Dr. Frame is not with us this evening. Um he actually um is receiving an award himself this evening. Uh the Toby Tictton Back Education Award that's presented by the Holocaust Education Resource Organization. Um we're very very uh proud of him uh for the work he's been doing with that organization and uh the partnership with the Clarence Central School District. So uh wish him all the best this evening

003uh but certainly miss him. But Kristen uh Dr. Dr. Overhalt will fill in admirably, item. Thank you very much. Uh, does anybody else have any other announcements? Okay. Um, no correspondence to note. Um, I'm not aware of any unfinished business. Uh, so with that, um, Dr. Oville, Red Devil recognition. Thank you, Mr. Fuches. Um so this evening uh we always say this is uh our most favorite part uh of of the meeting the opportunity to be able to uh acknowledge individuals from within the Clarence Central School District with our red devil recognitions. So this evening we are recognizing six individuals from our school community. And so what we're going to do is Mr. Fuches and I are going to head over to stage left and we're going to ask uh the recipient along with their

004nominee or nominator I should say to come to the stage and we're going to read a little bit from the nomination form and then we're going to ask you again to have your picture taken. Uh we will post that on social media and then also we're going to ask that you um shake hands with the board of education. So, we're going to head over there and I'm going to call up um Mr. Nick Rizzo and his nom nominators um Don and Melissa Curado. Please join us up up front. So, I'm going to have you guys stand here in the center. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Okay. about Nick Rizzo. The job of a guidance counselor is undeniably one of the most important within a high school community. Teenagers are faced with perhaps the most

005difficult challenges of their lives. They must adapt to the rigorous curriculum, navigate the social environment, now even more complex due to social media, and prepare for a time after graduation when they must find a place in an ever changing career landscape. Guidance counselors are the first and last line of defense available to students as they work towards being their personal best. And we are also very thankful that Mr. Nicholas Rizzo has been there to support our children during their first two years in Clarence High School. More than once, we've asked Mr. Rizzo for additional help, and he responds quickly with solutions for us to consider. With so many students to attend to each year, we find it remarkable that Mr. Rizzo finds the time to dedicate himself to our concerns with respect, kindness, and compassion.

006While many of the faculty are worthy of this recognition for their amazing efforts daily, Mr. Rizzo has gone above and beyond and we feel as though his dedication and hard work are deserving of a Red Devil recognition. He's truly been a blessing for us during a time when we really needed others to lean on. Congratulations, Mr. Rizzo. this way and this way. This way. We would like our board of education to be able to also acknowledge. Thank you very much. Thank you. Let's give Nick one last round of applause, please. And next up, we have recipient Kelly Mora, nominated by Adria Rupisburg. Come on up. Hello. Hello. Hi there. And from Mrs. Russ Russesburg, I would like to nominate Kelly Moira. Our Ledge View community knows her as the PTO president, but she does so

007much more than that. She is also a mother to a middle school student and a high school student and gives selflessly to those communities as well. Whether it's volunteering at a school dance or helping out with band, Kelly works hard to help provide fun and enriching activities for all students. I honestly don't know how she has the time, but if you saw her, you would never know how busy she is. She gives her full attention to you and truly listens. No, no question is too small or silly and she takes her time to answer any question that you may have. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and she does it without hesitation. As president, Kelly is not only the face of the PTO, but she also works endlessly behind the scenes to

008ensure things run smoothly. To her, this is just what you do. But to our PTO, she is the glue that holds it all together. She does it all without complaint and with a smile and maybe a joke or two. She has a way of making you feel comfortable and is fun to be around. Things that make you m that make you want to volunteer. Her caring nature is infectious in the best way. We are all lucky to have a parent volunteer as welcoming, thoughtful, and dedicated as Kelly is. Congratulations, Kelly. Congratulations again. And if you would have a Take a walk down. Thanks. Joanne Lower nominated by Janette Feice 197. You want to bring up the whole crew? Bring up the whole crew. That's great. Absolutely. And you guys are all front and center here.

009Okay. Mrs. Lure has been the kindergarten teacher for each of our three girls at Clarence Center Elementary. We cannot express enough gratitude for her patience and care for all incoming kindergarten students. She helps to lead and organize many unique plays and activities for the students from the alphabet fashion show where each student gets to walk down the runway as a letter of the alphabet to motion in the ocean with each kindergartener starring as a sea creature. There are many fun and in unique activities in class from Earth Day to the hundth day of school to having worms as class pets. That's pretty awesome. I love that idea. I'm going to have to do that with my Lukey. Mrs. Lower also pl helps plan fun field trips and walking field trips. A very unique thing that

010showcases the Clarence Clarence Center neighborhood area. The carolling around town, walks to Big Sings, Dons, and Botchi Pizza are so special for the kids and families. These memories are cherished and continue to be for years to come. She also documents each and every one of these mentioned things in a slideshow that she sends to parents after each event. This is so vital to feeling connected with the classroom. With years of loving experience, Mrs. L continues to shine each day, month, and year at Clarence Center. She highlights the hard-working, kind, and compassionate traits that our district upholds and especially at the imperative informative kindergarten level. Congratulations, Mrs. Low. [Applause] Let's give her one more round of applause as she shakes the hands of our board of education, please. Thanks for nominating your teacher. Thank you. Thanks

011for your Thank you. Thanks for And our next recipient is Kelly Frell, nominated by Flory Mirs. Okay, I love silent special guests. Come on up here. You're the star of the show. Hi there. Kelly is truly the sun shining on every day at Sheridan Hill. No matter the challenges she faces in her own life, where she certainly has her fair share of fun, she continuously puts on a smile that brightens everyone's day from staff and children to parents alike. She is never too busy to offer pep talks or wipe away tears. Always recognizing that whatever trouble someone is experiencing are significant and therefore become important to her as well. Kelly embodies the essence of compassion and understanding, always ready to lend an ear. Every morning, Kelly can be found outside just like the USPS with

012neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night, keeping her from greeting every child with a smile, a song, a dance, or all of the above. Her energy transforms ordinary mornings into unforgettable experiences. Kelly also makes every t two Tuesday fun and brings an extra spark to each holiday with her creative outfits and paraphernalia, ensuring that every occasion is a memorable celebration. Sheridan Hill is incredibly fortunate to bask in Kelly's kindness and cheer every day. Thank you for being exemplary, an exemplary employee who not only fosters a nurturing environment, but also gives parents peace of mind knowing that their hearts are safe when they're out in the world. Kelly, your unwavering spirit and dedication mean the world to so many of us. Congratulations, [Applause] Let's give her one last round of applause as she

013shakes the hand to the board. Congratulations. Thanks for nominating. Our next recipient is Heather Hartman who is nominated by Samantha Angler. There are certain people who quietly make a difference in your life without you realizing it at first. Mrs. Hartman is one of those people. As a business teacher at Clarence High School, she doesn't just teach. She ignites a spark in her students that pushes us to aim higher, think critically, and believe in our own potential. Mrs. Hartman encourages us to step outside of our comfort zones, pursue our dreams, and overcome the doubts that can sometimes hold us back. But what truly sets her apart is the unwavering support she offers every step of the way. This year when we worked together on the courage of Carly Fund auction for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center,

014I saw Mrs. Hartman's dedication and compassion in action. The Courage of Carly Fund isn't just about raising money. It's about making a tangible difference in the lives of kids battling cancer. The funds raised help provide crucial support to these children and their families, offering them resources, treatment options, and most importantly, hope during one of the hardest times in their lives. It was clear that for her, this wasn't just a school project. It was a mission to help those who need it most. Through her constant support, she opens doors for us to explore new careers, gain real world experience, and contribute to causes that matter. She encourages us to dream big, to give back to our community, and to believe that we have the power to make a difference. She's not just a teacher, she's a

015mentor, a guide, and someone who has shaped my life in ways I never expected. Her influence isn't just about helping us succeed in school. It's about preparing us for life, for challenges, and for moments like this where we can come together to make a lasting impact. And that would that's what makes a true Red Devil. Congratulations, Mrs. Hartman. [Applause] appreciate it. Mhm. [Music] Let's give Heather one last round of applause. Thank you. And our final Red Devil recipient for this evening is Nate Arnold. And I would ask that his nominator, uh, John Bersiac, come to the stage. and John writes, "I am nominating Nate Arnold for the Red Devil recognition award. Nate is an example of a kind person and his kindness makes a difference. Not being in all regular education classes has made it

016difficult for me to always be included. One kind thing Nate did for me this year was he included me at his lunch table and engaged me in conversation. He also made sure that I was seated at his prom table. Nate's actions are examples of how kind gestures can mean a lot to another person. It is it is the extra effort that Nate puts into making sure that I am included with my reg regular education peers in and out of school that has earned Nate this award for from me. Congratulations Nate. [Applause] Let's give them one more round of applause. So, at this time, we're going to take a quick pause because we know that everyone has busy schedules. Um, so at this point, um, you are we are uh we're going to move on with

017the board meeting, but for our recipients and their nominators, if you wish to take off for the evening, you may do so at this time. Thank you everyone. Thank you, Dr. Overhold. Um, moving forward on the agenda tonight, uh, next up is our board report section. Uh, first, uh, first item, uh, CESF meeting update. Don, do you have anything? Uh, do I have anything? Um we really haven't had a meeting, but we um have planned our August 9th fundraiser. It's the town at the um town park clubhouse from 6:00 to 10. So we did post some things online for people to get more information. Thank you. What was that date again? August 9th. Thank you. Okay. Um parent teacher organization meetings. Does anybody have any updates since the last time we were together? I can

018uh just share that this coming Friday is senior prom followed by the postprom event and they're still uh welcoming donations and volunteers. So if you're interested, check their Facebook page, the Clarence High School PTO. Thank you, Adrian. Uh, next up, ECASB representative report outs if there was any meetings in the last month. We have one Thursday. Okay. All right. Time is up. All right. Uh, with that, Dr. Overhalt, I would turn it over to you uh for the superintendent report. Thank you, Mr. Fuches. I'm going to head down to the podium and I will present from there. [Music] So, thank you again. Tonight's update will be focusing on key planning efforts specifically across curriculum, human resources, student support services, as well as operational readiness as we prepare for the 2025 2026 school year. So to

019begin um again looking at at this summer specifically for summer curriculum planning work um we have a strong emphasis on curriculum work that supports both innovation as well as inclusivity. Many of our projects uh will focus on designing or adapting curriculum to better serve serve our specialized student populations. Additionally, we're going to be supporting new course development and unit revisions that will be aligned to any updated standards. Additionally, we have several teams that are preparing for new or ongoing co-eing models to s support inclusive instructional delivery. And we also have a significant portion of work that centers on integrating our new teachers into grade level teaming and also ensuring continuity when uh we're looking at specifically instructional planning and preparations. It has been a very busy season for our human resources department. Uh at this

020point in time we have filled 14 of the 15 tenur positions within uh the district and we will uh again work this summer in terms of continuing to onboard uh our new hires. Also with that our all of our new faculty will also be um participating in our new teacher orientation that will take place in late August. And again recruitment efforts overall have been very encouraging. Uh a few positions particularly those in a high demand certification areas remain difficult to fill and in the future again looking at a more targeted approach in terms of filling some of those positions. And then also this this summer, human resources will be actively reviewing health care plans in collaboration with our benefit partners to ensure uh competitive offerings that uh allow us to also remain fiscally sustainable. for

021our student support services department. Uh we will continue to f focus on several crit critical areas specifically the extended school year program this summer again which will help students with special needs maintain their essential skills and also prevent substantial regression through that programming through our new teacher orientation. As I mentioned earlier, um we'll also be um providing training specifically to our new teachers on uh working effectively with PAR professionals to support students needs. And also this summer, uh, the department will continue to work on clarifying and strengthening our continuum of supports, which includes promoting collaboration between general and special education staffing, building internal expertise, and planning for long-term sustainability of specialized programming for implementation of free school meals for all students. We are pleased to share that beginning in the 2025 2026 school year, all

022students will have access to free breakfast and lunch. So our application, the district's application to participate in the federal and state reimbursement program has been approved and also to prepare. Dr. Grupka is currently working with our our buildings and grounds as well as our uh building principles to look at specifically uh updates to the kitchen equipment as well as upgrading um uh the serving lines uh in the again to be able to support increased student participation. She will all be also be looking at uh meal schedules uh specifically to ensure that students have adequate time to eat especially as the participation increases uh from our student body. And lastly for our updates, an update on distraction-free school zones. Again, a new requirement um from the state mandates that all districts adopt a policy prohibiting student

023use of internet enabled devices during the school day. So again, this policy looking at the requirement specifically includes um parents having the opportunity to contact their child it's in school in the case of an emergency. Also, we need to provide device storage uh guidelines within policy protections for necessary student use as well as uh any sort of interventions or uh discipline measures for misuse would also need to be included in the policy. So, at this point in the coming weeks, uh we'll engage with stakeholders. Dr. frame has already started this work reviewing policy language as well as again looking to adjust our code of conduct to be reflective of those changes and again needing to adopt a final policy a finalized policy before the August 1st deadline which was set forth by the state. So

024with that I would take any questions from the board of education. Does the board have any questions? I guess I have a one question and and one comment um question I think Mr. Michelle um with regards to the healthc care uh assessment and that I know this past year we had transitioned the RX program and there were a number of challenges with the third party uh have we worked through all those those issues at this point in time? We have there are no outstanding issues at this time as well as I'm meeting with all the vendors monthly to continue to review any of their customer service issues. Thank you. Appreciate that. Um and I guess just a comment and I I think it probably um doesn't receive the the attention maybe that uh other matters

025do. But as far as the summer curriculum work, I think the work that you and your your team do and the the the teachers that that volunteer their time over the summer to update the curriculum, that's the foundation for everything that the staff does throughout the year and getting that aligned curriculum is paramount to the success that that this district has each year year in and year out. So, I thank you for that. Well, thank you very much. and I'll pass that along to my team as well. Okay, I'll come back on stage. So, at the beginning of the year, I saw Dr. Frame get up here with no notes and do an entire presentation. And I was like, "Oh, I can do that by the last meeting. I can't. I can't. I need my

026notes." I'm right there with you, Olivia. It's all good. It's all good. So, um, this week start marks the last week of high school for the high schoolers and middle schoolers with exams for the next couple of weeks. And this Friday, the seniors will be having their picnic in the morning and then their prom at night at the foundry on Elmwood. The Academy of Business and Finance had the graduation for the seniors and also the Rotary Club sponsored a stock ticker that was placed in the foyer near the library at the high school for the academy. The 60th annual clan hands concert happened last week and it was Vitello's last clan hands concert and he went out with a bang with his favorite song Carina Barana. Tomorrow is the Spectrum concert where all bands in

027the district play at the high school gym. And Wednesday is Mr. Shaw's last concert with the orchestra. 75 seniors received their seal of biiteracy where they were recognized for being being fluent in either a language they speak at home that is not English or a language taught at school. The first ever unified pep rally went very smoothly I would say and it was lots of fun with cheering and great playing by both teams where we won with a um buzzer beater and I enjoyed it and I hope that it continues in the future. Girls sports were really carrying the sectional titles this spring where lacrosse, flag football, and girls golf all um received section titles and then lacrosse and flag football went to the section uh the regional game. And then girls golf is currently

028at states with also a section title. And also boys track and field took home a sectional title about two weeks ago. The junior and senior awards night was last week where a handful of students received awards and scholarships. Uh two weeks ago, the eighth graders had their eighth grade dance and I remember we didn't really have an eighth grade dance because of co so I'm glad that one's back busy. It is a busy time for the eighth graders because they are making their way to the high school and they also had their eighth grade picnic. And there was also schools for scholars which is an ice cream social rewarding students for their hard work. Um, and that was hosted at the middle school this week or this past week. Ledge View and Clarence Center both

029had visits from the high school's wind ensemble during today's morning and then last Friday. And those were super fun cuz you got to they played side by side and you got to see them compared to us and how much you can grow. And finally, the fifth graders are preparing for their promotion into the middle school in the coming weeks as well as getting acclimated to the middle school. and they had like a pre-orientation pre-orientation type of day um here at the middle school. Thank you. Thank you, Olivia. Um before moving forward in the agenda, I just wanted to take a moment and recognize a member of our school board tonight. Um on behalf of myself, Dr. frame and the rest of the administration and fellow board members. I wanted to thank board of ed member

030Olivia Collins for her service to the Clarence Schools and this community. Uh the life of a high school senior comes with a lot of juggling of priorities, studies and homework, extracurricular commitments and personal obligations. For those that extend themselves, time becomes even more precious. Olivia is one of those students. She not only is a committed scholar and athlete, but also a school leader. So, Olivia, I have to use notes, too. And I've been doing this 13 years, so don't feel bad. Uh uh this past year, you have put forth the added time to advocate on behalf of the student body and to be the proverbial bridge between the board of education and the students of this district. I know the additional time devoted to your role of board of ed student representative did not come

031without sacrifices. We greatly appreciate you and your service to this community. It is with heartfelt thanks that we recognize you tonight at your last meeting. We wish you all the best in your future as you head off to Dukane University and have every confidence you will shine in all that you do. Thank you, Olivia. [Applause] Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you for your service. Thank you. Thank you. Good luck to you. Thank you. Okay. Um I guess moving back to the agenda. Uh public comment session is next, but we did not have anybody sign up uh that I'm aware of. Uh so with that uh Dr. Overhalt um finances please. Absolutely. Um so before you this evening you have uh a number of action items for your approval 12 to be exact and oneformational item for

032your approval. Uh those include uh April financials, the schedule of bills and check warrant report, approval of a cooperative bidding resolution, authority for a payment of bills, authority for budget transfers, request for approval of vote results, resolution to issue borrow borrowing for bus purchases, approval of bid results, approval of disposal of vehicles, approval of PTO donation, of trees. Approval of contract for phase 4 capital project door work. Resolution to set the date of the reorganizational meeting and the annual reorganizational meeting draft. Thank you, Dr. Oolt. Does anybody have any questions on the financial items tonight? Okay, seeing none, I'd entertain a motion to approve items F1 through F12. I'll make a motion. Thank you, Dennis. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Trisha. All those in favor? I. I. That carries. Uh, Mr. Michelle,

033um, personnel instructional. For instructional this evening, we have a few resignations. One from an instructional position, one from a sport, and one from a club. Uh P2 is the amendment of a rate of pay that was previously approved. We have one request for a leave of absence from a teacher. Uh prior appointments, we've been continuing to plug in substitutes as quickly as possible to just make sure that we have classes covered throughout the end of the year. Appointments this evening, we have seven teaching positions we're approving. Uh Miss Clark and Miss George and Miss Candidate are all in the audience. I invite all of you to come up and meet the board at the end of the meeting. uh regions review instructors, department grade level chairs, extracurricular level changes and new clubs from Dr. Frame,

034summer school specialed, various trainings, and the student leadership coordinators. P6 is the ESY summer school programs as well as we have P7 and P8 with more additional summer services. P9 is the approval of the tenure recommendations of 28 instructional positions that were reviewed last meeting. P10 is presentation compensation and then additional changes to our sublist. This evening we do have an addendum with four items. One is the reallocation of the TOSA versus their time in the classroom and their TOSA services. Uh the rate in the original board packet was incorrect for freshman orientation. That should be paid at $38 per hour. One department chair, we changed the number of people that he is responsible for. and one additional teacher appointment. Thank you, Mr. Michelle. Are there any questions of the instructional items? Just out of

035curiosity, the uh the addendum tonight for the additional appointment, does that fill all of the positions or we still have one one outstanding position as well as we have a few regular sub positions that we tend to hold until August to to pick up those those slots. Thank you. There are no questions. I'd entertain a motion to approve items P1 to P11. I'll make a motion. Thank you, Cindy. Have a second. Second. Thank you. Um, all those in favor. Passes. Uh, non-instructional. Non-instructional. There's one amendment to the ESA ESY8 assignments. Uh, resignations for non-instructional. We have three aids. And Mr. William Kufel, who has served the district for 17 years as one of our custodians, is moving on to retire. Thank you, Mr. Kufel. Change of status. Two cleaners are becoming full-time. Prior appointments, we

036have multiple summer laborers, bus attendants, a bus driver, and transportation substitutes appointments. This evening, we have summer clerical, summer school support staff, additional summer laborers, and aids for orientations. P7 is also a request for a leave of absence. Thank you, Mr. Michelle. Just to confirm, P7 is justformational. Uh, no, it is a request for It requires action. Okay. Okay. Is there any questions for the non-instructional? Hearing none. Can I get a motion to approve items P12 through P17? I'll make a motion. Thank you, Adrian. Do I have a second? I'll second. Thank you, Cindy. All those in favor? I that carries. All right. Um, Miss Schnookuska, uh, special needs and student activities. The committee on special education met for 9 days and is asking for approval on the recommended services for 37 students. And the

037committee on preschool special education met for 4 days and is asking for approval on the recommended service for eight students. Thank you very much. Any questions on items S1 and S2 from the board? Hearing none. Could I get a motion to approve the same? I'll make a motion. Thank you, Cindy. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Trisha. All those in favor? I. That carries. Uh we have nothing tonight under board development or policy. Uh which brings us to the last item which is the committee of the whole items of information which we have scheduled meetings and upcoming events. Um, as a reminder, the next board meeting will be the annual reorganization meeting that's currently scheduled for Monday, July 7th, right here at the middle school auditorium. The meeting time scheduled to start at

0386:30. Um, and a lot of uh things uh activities in the buildings to finish out the year with the capstone of Thursday, June 26th, the high school commencement ceremony at 700 p.m. uh with a rain date the following uh the next day, Friday the 27th. Uh so with that, I would entertain a motion to adjurnn to executive session to discuss collective bargaining negotiations. Thank you, Dennis. Do I have a second? Second. Thank you, Trisha. All those in favor? I carries. Good night everybody.

This transcript may contain errors introduced by automated or source-provided captioning. Bracketed descriptions such as [Music] are retained from the source. Passage divisions are editorial aids and do not alter the wording.