CorpusRecord 235615

Monroe-Woodbury Board of Education Special Meeting - June 3, 2026

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 / MWCSD1
Date
2026-06-04
Location
Orange County, NY
Material
Transcript
Extent
3,869 words · about 22 min
Collected
2026-06-30

Transcript

Verbatim source text

001Good evening. >> Good evening everyone. We're gonna get started. >> There it is. >> Good evening everyone. I'd like to we'd like to get started. So, if you can take your seats. Thank you. I'd like to call to order a special meeting of the board of education. Today is Wednesday, June 3rd. We stand for the pledge. >> I pledge algiance 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. Now commence the reading of the mission statement. We are committed to academic achievement and success for all students in a safe environment in partnership with families and our community. Our mission is to promote confidence, inspire a passion for learning, and prepare our students to become responsible global

002citizens. I will now welcome Dr. Hustler to read re the resolutions for memorial. >> Sure. >> First, I'll read the memorial resolution unanimously adopted by the board of education at its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026. Whereas Mr. Terrence Terry Olivo was employed by the Monroeberry Central School District as the superintendent of schools. His employment with the district began in January of 1979 and he retired in August of 2004. And whereas through his dedication to the district, Terry has touched the lives of many individuals in our district. It is hereby resolved that the board of education on behalf of the entire district extends in memoriam its appreciation and gratitude as well as its sincere condolences to the Alo family. As the above resolution is adopted by the board, it will become part of the

003official historical records of the district and will serve as a memorial lasting for all time. Additionally, as was shared in the resolution, Mr. Olivo began his career as a history teacher before coming to Monubbury in January of 1979. He came here as the assistant superintendent for personnel. In 1989, he became the superintendent of schools until his retirement in August of 2024. I myself sat in this auditorium numerous times as a teacher and heard him speak. And you would be hardressed to find an individual who cared more deeply about this district than he did. His impact and influence on Monterberry are still felt to this very day. In 2007, he became the Orange Olter Bosey's chief operating officer and he remained in that role until 2013. He was asked by the photo news for a final

004message that he would like to leave for his students upon his retirement in MW back in 2004. Superintendent Olivo replied with the following statement. Learning is a lifelong process. They should never consider themselves to be done with learning. In order to have a meaningful life, we must continue to grow through a lifetime. I personally believe his work in MW certainly paved the way for many of our students to do just that. Mr. Olivo passed away on May 26th at the age of 84. Please join me in extending our thoughts and condolences to his family during this difficult time. >> Motion to adopt the memorial resolution. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion so carries. >> Motion to approve the revised agenda. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion so

005carries. Motion to approve new board of education trustee Brian Balino. >> Motion second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion so carries. >> I'll now ask for uh PTA Council President Bernie Vega to come to the stage. No. All right. Good evening. National PTA has long-standing commitment to arts education. The reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, over 300,000 students in preK through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student created theme. This 50 plus year old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life. This is

006a nocost program accessible to all students in all languages and for all abilities. The following students participated and one at their school level with a few moving up to the central Hudson region level. This year's reflection theme was I belong. Please note that tonight many of the winners are not present to receive their awards due to scheduling complex. And please come up to the stage when your name is called. for the high school. Isabella Dyer is Isabella also won the Central Hudson Region Merit Award. Thank you for coming. So excited. Yeah. Arshene Sessie, Kaylee Chang, and Carlin Fateman. For the middle school in music, we have Samir Malik and Alisa Lee Lynn. for literature, Madison Chimuk and Jacob Smith. Madison also moved up to Central Hudson region and received the merit award there. for Central

007Valley in literature. Andy Pierce for visual arts. Olivia Cado and Aiden Cordderero. For North Main, Miguel Hernandez Cordero Carolyn Jalisa Cotto, Carla Antonio Cotto, Antonia Cotto, and Danica Leven. son for pine tree. Aaliyah Malik in visual arts and for music composition, Aaliyah Malik again. And lastly for Smith Clo Visual Arts, Owen Kelman Bowman. Thank you everyone. And next year in the fall, we will be having the same program. So just look out for any information so your students can um enroll. Thank you. I'd like to now introduce superintendent of schools uh Dr. Norman to recognize the PTA council and PTA presidents. Good evening everyone. I will be acknowledging our PTA council, our scepter council, and our PTA presidents by school. It is my distinct honor to recognize these dedicated individuals for their unwavering commitment to

008the students and families of the Monroe Central School District. The strength of our district is built on the partnerships we share with our school community and especially with our families. Through their leadership, dedication, and countless volunteer hours, these individuals help create the programs, events, and opportunities that enrich the educational experience of our students each and every day. Their generosity of time, talents, and passion makes a lasting impact on our schools and the children we serve. Please join me in welcoming our PTA council members and PTA presidents to the stage as we recognize and celebrate the outstanding service. You guys should clap. As I call your name, please come forward. Starting with our PTA council members, Miss Bernie Vega, PTA Council President and PTSA president of MW High School. Thank you. Miss Erica Cover, PTA Council

009Recording Secretary. Thank you, Miss Brienne Chase, PTA Council Treasurer and PTA president of Central Valley Elementary. And now for our SEPTA council members. Miss Andrea Ariani, SEPTA council president Dana Tedesi, Septic Council recording secretary. Adola OD Joby, SEPTA council treasurer, our PTA presidents by school. Jillian Okonnell, PTA, president of MW Middle School. Christine Chen Person, PTA president of North Main Elementary. Lauren Kelly, PTA of Pine Tree Elementary. Tara Sheay, PTA, president of Sapphire Elementary. And lastly, Caitlyn Leellay, PTA president of Smith Clove Elementary. Thank you all again for your service. I'd like to reintroduce Dr. Hassler to introduce the 2026 Community Connection Award. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. The Community Connection Awards were created many years ago by our district leadership committee to recognize an individual or organization that exemplifies the spirit of the Monroberry

010School District through community-based activities and service to the school district. Each year we recognize two awards. One that is offered by the school district and one that is offered by the PTA council. And here to present our PTA Council Community Connection Award is PTA Council President Bernie Vega. All right, that's it for me. So tonight, on behalf of the Monro Woodbury PTAs and the Special Education PTA, it is my honor to recognize Liam Gaffne with the Monro Woodberry Community Connection Award. As a Monro Woodbury graduate, sorry, there's a little more. As a Monro Woodberry graduate, Liam exemplifies what it means to be a Crusader long after leaving the halls of the high school. Through his leadership, service, and commitment to community connections, he has consistently found ways to give back to the students and families

011of our district. What makes Liam's work so valuable is his proactive approach. He doesn't wait for challenges to become crises. If he sees a trend affecting young people, he starts asking questions, finding resources, building partnerships, and connecting students with support before problems grow larger. Whether bringing together mental health resources, prevention programs, career pathways, community organizations, or government agencies, Liam has worked tirelessly to ensure students know what resources are available and that they are not alone. Most recently, his efforts help bring an incredible range of opportunities to students through crusaders committed to education day. Yet, much of his impact happens behind the scenes. His work is built through relationships, phone calls, meetings after meetings, follow-up emails, and a determination to keep moving forward when others might stop. Liam has poured his time, energy, knowledge, and heart

012into creating these connections that matter. And his impact isn't measured only by events or programs, but by the students who feel it. If every crusader after graduation gave back even a small fraction of what Liam has given to our schools, we would be so much stronger for it. Liam, thank you for your service, your perseverance, and your unwavering commitment to the youth of Monro Woodbury. Our crusaders are better because of you. Thank you. I have to say as Liam's former elementary school principal, it's all true. It's very true. Congratulations, Liam. And now for the Monroe Berry School District Community Connection Award. I am privileged to recognize Robbie Jacobs, owner of Back in the Game Sports Consignment, as the 2026 recipient of the Monroberry School District Community Connection Award. Mr. Jacobs was nominated by Denise Guerrero

013and district administration. A sc a strong school community extends beyond the walls of our buildings and is strengthened by individuals who consistently put the needs of students and families first. Robbie exemplifies that spirit through his generosity and commitment to helping others. For years, Robbie has quietly stepped forward whether whenever there's a need. Whether it's donating bicycles to students and families or providing sports equipment to children who otherwise might not have access, he has removed barriers and created opportunities for countless students. He understands that participation in sports is about more than equipment. It's about belonging, confidence, and connection. On behalf of the Monroberry School District, I want to thank Robbie for the difference that he has made in the countless lives of so many students and families. His kindness and dedication embodies the spirit of community

014connection, and we are grateful for the impact that he continues to have on our community. Please join me in congratulating Robbie Jacobs as the 2026 Community Connection Award recipient. Congratulations. It's only fitting that his shirt says for those of you that can't read it, make it a kind day. So, thank you so much. Now, I'd like to introduce uh Jesse Lazar for the bus safety contest winners. Good evening everyone. Um tonight um I just want to say thank you for the parents that showed up. Not everybody did show up tonight um but we will recognize them um for their poster that won um either first, second or third prize. Um each year the New York State Association for Pupil Transportation hosts a poster contest to promote uh school bus safety. This year's theme was safe

015rides everyday heroes really hit home and our students absolutely rose to the occasion. Let me say the creat the creativity in these posters were nothing short of amazing. The judges had a harder time choosing winners than a bus driver has to find a radio station for everyone agrees on. So every poster was unique, thoughtful, and filled with important safety messages. Of course, this contest wouldn't be possible without the collaboration of so many people from our talented students to the teachers, administrators, and secretarial staff who supported and guided them. Also to the transportation team who proudly walked the halls judging each poster. Thank you. And of course, a special thank you goes to our school bus drivers who inspire these safety messages every single day by modeling what safe, responsible transportation looks like. So now without

016further ado to I present to you this year's uh bus safety poster contest winners. When I call your name, please come up on the stage and please bring your number tag with you. So, we're going to start with kindergarten. Um, Colin McConnell, Maya Mul uh, Cola, and I I apologize if I don't get the names right. Come on up. Um, Emily Bolivar, Noah Rodriguez, Dylan Castro, Nolasco, Nick Salem, Do you have your number? Go right on over there. Okay, so for our first grade winners, um, we have Scarlet Galysia Flores, Jonah Baja, Sienna Dennis, Lord, Denise, Noel, Perry, Ian, Assan, and Nina Yogahabi. All right, for our second grade winners, we have Anala Ramabar, Asen Lazan, Pesel Roman Ruez Lucas Shots Isaac Reyes Corino James Danny Coochi Anton Sabiha Marwa Rosita Young and Sierra Marsh.

017So, our third grade winners, Adakus Cal Derrera, Noah Booth, Lucas Jerowski, Vicky Aio Mscato, Guna Kukash, Katarina Onoko, Miguel Va um sorry, Miguel Valdez Molina Kaladine Shim and London Pierre. So, our fourth graders Brittany Gonzalez, Cruz, Adriel Kunal, Mutahir Na Nagra, >> Jonathan Ramos, Diaz, Logan Baky, Olivia Dreams, Nora Gutman, and Alice Stoyeva. Okay. So for our fifth graders, we have Madison Jquiz, Emily Lafarro, Andy Pierce, Na um Natalie Hernandez, Mahia, Casey Contras, Urias, Matilda, Patila, Patilla, Pila, Sorry, Scarlet Shim. Yuna Nabi. Now, Yuna won second prize in uh the division. Um and as at it won second at the regional level and it's now up going up to state. So, congratulations. And lastly in the fifth grade, it's Sophia Guerrera. And our last division. For division 4, we have Logan Coffee, Leila Kuomo, and

018Eddie Kalza. Congratulations to everyone. >> Wow, that's So cute. Congratulations again to all who participated. Have a good night. So when you join One of my favorite parts of serving as board president this year has been getting to know this remarkable young woman. As our student board of education representative, Zoe I Ira brought such energy, thoughtfulness, and positivity to every meeting. She arrived prepared, ready to share the student perspective in a way that was articulate, insightful, and often wonderfully funny. a combination that reminded us again and again why she was chosen for this important role. What impressed me most was Zoe's commitment to making sure all students felt represented. Whether she was visiting schools, speaking with students and administrators, or sharing her experiences with the board, she consistently brought forward meaningful infight insights that helped

019inform our work. Zoe has many gifts and her leadership, confidence, and communication skills were evident throughout the year. But perhaps the greatest gift she shared with us was her genuine kindness and her deep love for Monroe Woodbury. Zoe, thank you for your dedication, your service, and your unwavering commitment to your fellow students. Thank you for being such an important part of our board of education. You have made a lasting impact and while you will be greatly missed, we know you have a very bright future ahead of you at Sunni Bingington as you study neuroscience on a premed track. We wish you all the best, Zoe. Please join me in recognizing and thanking Michael Seriel for his six years of dedicated service to the Monroe Woodbury Board of Education. Since being elected to the board in

0202020, Michael has generously given his time, energy, and leadership to our school community. He served as vice president during the 2021 and 2022 school year and then as board president from 2022 through 2024, guiding the district with a steadfast commitment to what is best for our students. Throughout his service, Michael has been a strong advocate for educational opportunities that help students thrive, particularly in the arts. And his passion for supporting our schools has made a lasting impact. As a proud parent of two Monroe Woodbury graduates, Michael's connection to this district runs deep. Please join me in thanking Michael Seriello for all he has done for Monroe Woodbury. We're going to miss those lemon bars. Hopefully he bring them for us sometime. Dr. Ser Sergey Koman has been a Monroe Woodbury Board of Education trustee for

021four years, bringing thoughtful perspective and genuine engagement to district discussions. His leadership has helped guide many meaningful conversations that continue to strengthen and shape our school community. As a father of two Monroe Woodbury graduates, Dr. Kifman understands firsthand the transformative power of a quality education. Inspired by the opportunities his own children received, he has dedicated his time, expertise, and energy to ensuring that students have access to the same foundation for success. Through his service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to students, families, and staff of Monroe Woodbury, Dr. Kifman made a lasting impact on our school community. It is our honor to recognize and celebrate his contributions this evening. I'd like to introduce uh Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Chris Burgerer to recognize our tenur employees. Um, we will be pulling out tenur employees 0182 and 06573

022for a vote after this tenure resolution. Okay. Motion to approve recommended tenure employees with the exception of 0182 and 06573. >> Motion. Is there a second? >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion so carries. Congratulations to you all. Motion to recognize tenure for uh employee 07182. Is there a motion? >> Motion. >> Is there a second? Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Yes. Oppos? >> Two opposed. The remaining uh approved. Motion so carries. Congratulations. >> Motion to approve tenure for number 06573. >> Motion. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any opposed? >> I I abstain. And the reason for your abstination >> uh due to the spouse. >> Well, congratulations to your spouse. Motion passes. Good evening everyone. It is my pleasure to recognize this uh this

023evening our distinguished staff members who have officially been approved for tenure. They are talented, passionate and a dedicated group of professionals who have already made a positive impact on our school community. We are extremely grateful for the work that they do with our children and students and we wish them long successful careers here in the Monroe Woodbury Central School District. If you are with us this evening, we're going to ask that when your name is called that you please come forward to the stage and remain up on the stage for a group photo. I just ask that the audience please hold your applause until all of the names have been read. At that time we will give our newly tenured staff a well-deserved round of applause. So first from our teachers, counselors and clinicians, congratulations

024and please come up to the stage if here from the high school and middle school Eris Belleri. From the high school, we have Jessica Jessica Daer, Sierra Here, Michael Kaplan, Timothy Lions, Gnarly Orsara, Connor Rig, Rietti, and Julie Ruskowski from the middle school. Congratulations and please come up to the stage if you are here. Alexander Amanites, Ariel Burrow. Congratulations, Danielle Fee, Lauren Green, Jonathan Hansen, Jennifer Kersinhider, Bridget Mcweeny, Cynthia Piro, and Tanya Woods. A lot of people from the middle school. I don't know who had a hand in all these hires, but they did a great job. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations, guys. And from Central Valley, >> congratulations. Please come out to the stage if you are here, Matthew MPO, Katarina Nelson, and David Santos. from North Main Elementary. Please come up to the stage

025if you are here. And congratulations, Christine Bjorkman and Caitlyn Cotto from Pine Tree Elementary School. If you're here, please come up to the stage. Marty Bolino, Kelly Guardino, Danielle Rumler, and Johanna Wy from Sapphire Elementary School. Please come up to the stage if you're here. Jessica Clausner, congratulations. and Michelle Perski. And from Smith Clove Elementary School, if you are here, Erin O'Brien, please come up to the stage as well. Congratulations. Next, our teaching assistants from Pineree Elementary School, Jacqueline Immhof, Eric Mabi, and Carol Patilia. from Central Valley Elementary School, Cheryl Broaddsky and Megan Grimes. Congratulations. >> Congratulations, Carol. And last, but certainly not least, from our administrators, if you are here, please come up to the stage. And congratulations from the high school, assistant principal Madrid Boyd. Congratulations to our newly tenured staff members. Now,

026let's give them a huge round of applause. >> Very welld deserved. Congratulations again. I actually get to stay up here for a little bit longer. Uh, and it's for a good reason. Um, while we are honoring our newly tenured staff, uh, I also have the honor of recognizing those who are just getting ready to start the next phase of their life and recognize our district retirees. The individuals I am about to present have amassed hundreds of years of service to our district and have had an enormous impact on the lives of thousands of students. Amazing people like these are hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank them for all they have done for our schools, our community, and most importantly, our students. If

027you are with us this evening, I ask that when your name is called to please come forward to the stage to receive a certificate and pin. As I as I announce the names of our retirees, I once again ask the audience to please hold your applause until all names of all 52 retirees this year have been read. At that time, we will certainly give them a welldeserved round of applause. And with that, we're gonna start off and congratulate and if you're here, please come up to the stage. Maline Arbelloo, Barbara Bachis, Michael Baron, Ursula Campo, John Capiello, Laura Chait, Walter Cox, Leonard Diaz. No air horns. That was That was good though. I like the rattle. Kimberly Dersio, Terry Dunn, Robert Eler. Congratulations. Scott I Joanne Fargo Deborah Featherston Kathleen Vico Bruce Furbeck Christian Frachia

028Patricia Fusco Morin Gathne, Judith Garcia. Congratulations, >> Francesco Disuelo, Mark Goodson, Stephanie Haley. Congratulations, Georgiana Holmes, Kathy Hal, Jessica Hutter, Jill Jeffrey, Maryanne Caster, Mary Keys, Thomas Lee, David Lewis, Joseph Leperino, Kelly Mano, Kathleen Martin, Melinda McCall, Heather McKeen, Lyndon Malone, Gina Mandeli, Timothy Potfin, Antwanette Ronaldo, Carrie Rooney, Tina Russo, Gail Sammon, Maria Sarasino. Congratulations, Elizabeth Sassy, Maria Seaman, Diane Sullivan, Donna Tropin, Kenneth Tyrell, Donna Valentini, Karen Vespo, and I know she's here. Last, but certainly not least, Alisa Whittle. Congratulations to all of our retirees. We wish you a happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement. And re remember we can always use substitutes. Congratulations everyone. I can't speaker. All right, we are going to return to uh the board meeting agenda items for those of you who are staying with us. >> Okay. Motion to approve

029the canvas of the vote and adoption of the resolution declaring the results of the annual election held on May 19th, 2026. >> Motion second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion so carries. Motion to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2026 meeting. >> Motion >> second. >> All in favor? >> Motion so carries. >> Report by student representative Mrs. Zoe. >> Good evening. Happy Wednesday. >> Um I hope everyone's been having a great week. First of all, wow, thank you so much. I truly appreciate this. I actually wasn't expecting this, so thank you a lot. Um, the last visitation I had was at Sapphire Elementary on Friday, May 15th, and I met with a wonderful group of kindergarten and first grade students. Uh, we first started off by reading a couple books together,

030then we played some games, and then we went to discussing about what they enjoyed about school. Um, some key points from that visit was that the students generally had a positive feelings about coming to school. Many shared that they enjoy learning, seeing their friends, and participating in different activities throughout the day. Like usual, a few students mentioned that they don't like waking up early. It's a little bit difficult for them because they are kindergarteners, but once they do arrive in school, they enjoy being there. Um, every student there agreed that they enjoy spending time with their friends. They described their friends as kind, fun to play with, and an important part of why they like coming to school every day. Um, most students said they comfortable talking to your teachers when they have a problem

031or any concerns. And several students shared examples of times that they told their teacher about something that happened on the playground or when they needed help. And the students felt very supported by the adults in the building. Um recess and lunchtime were very popular topics, definitely their favorite times of day, and students enjoy having opportunities to play outside and spend time with their friends. When discussing their favorite parts of school, students gave multiple answers including recess, gym, art, reading, phonics, morning activities, science, and learning new things. Those were all mentioned. Um, while many students do enjoy learning, some shared that certain subjects can be challenging or take a long time for them. Um, most students were very enthusiastic about their specials. Those include gym, art, music. Um, gym was are the most popular special and

032everyone liked it. Uh many students also shared positive feelings about the other ones. When asked who they talked to when they feel sad or have a problem, most students said their parents, siblings or friends, but we also discussed about how teachers are trusted adults who are always available to them if they need help. That is something I always try to say whenever I do go to a younger school. Um, many students share that they are very excited to move up to the next grade level and the next year, while some students were especially excited because they're now going to a two to five school. So, that's really fun for them. Um, looking back in the school year, students shared that some of their favorite memories included field trips, visiting the pumpkin past school performances, and

033spending time with their classmates. I asked the students to finish the sentence I wish we had and received very very creative answers. They're very creative with it. Um, one thing I've noticed usually about the two to five schools and the UPK to first grade schools is that students usually enjoy physical activities. Um, so they always tend to gravitate and loving their gym special and they usually ask for more physical activities to do during recess. Um, this time in Sapphire Elementary the students wish for more monkey bars, more playground equipment, and additional gym time, and more space to be able to be like run around and lose all the energy they have. Um, the whole time I was talking to students, they repeatedly spoke very positively about their teachers, classmates, and overall school experience. And one

034kindergartener's teacher said that their favorite adult is the principal. So, it's really sweet. Um, overall, I had a wonderful time at Sapphire. Thank you so much for having me. The students were very engaged and energetic and super excited to participate. Thank you to the staff and the administration for welcoming me back with open arms and for making this visit such a positive experience. That's all for me and have a wonderful rest of your week. >> Thank you as always for a very thorough and thoughtful report. Zoe Motion to approve personnel items 15.1 to 1524. >> Motion. >> Second. All in favor? >> Motion so carries. Motion to approve business and financial items 16.1 to 16.7. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion so carries. >> Motion to approve committees on special education

035and preschool special items 17 uh sorry 17.1 to 17.5. >> Motion second. >> Motion so carries. >> Oh, sorry. All in favor? Motion so carries. Uh mo uh report out by board of education members in committee. It's not on my agenda. We're not doing at this meeting. Okay. Thank you. Uh motion to adjourn into executive session >> to discuss a legal matter. >> Motion. >> Second. Second. >> All in favor? >> Motion so carries. We are ajourned.

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