Mount Pleasant Cottage Union Free School District

The board meeting primarily focused on transitioning into an executive session to discuss the employment history of specific individuals.

Key discussions included the announcement of a vacancy on the Board of Education, with nominations scheduled for the next meeting. The Board received updates on the census, the My Brothers Keeper Fellows program, and District Goals. The revised 2024-2025 budget was presented for discussion. Policy #3311 concerning employee disciplinary records was adopted on its second reading. Major business matters involved the approval of the revised 2024-2025 school budget and a resolution to update the Fiscal Stabilization Reserve Fund, aligning it with NYSED guidance and appropriating up to $2,374,291 from the general fund. Numerous contracts and approvals for services were confirmed, including joint bidding participation with Southern Westchester BOCES for various supplies, E-Rate bid awards, flooring replacement, and several general building maintenance and repair projects by Renu Contracting & Restoration. Additionally, the Board approved technology purchases, an authorization agreement with JCCA for student transportation, and a contract amendment for Asbestos Removal Air Monitoring Services. Personnel actions included approving civil service appointments for a Teacher Aide, a School Monitor, and a Substitute Teacher Aide, accepting resignations, approving MBK Mentor appointments, and granting a leave of absence. The Committee on Special Education recommendations were approved, and the meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss employment history, legal matters, collective bargaining, and school safety.

The primary business matter addressed was a Civil Service Law § 75 Hearing concerning disciplinary proceedings against Employee No. 920. The Board resolved to appoint Louis Patack, Esq., as the Hearing Officer, compensating him at a per diem fee of $2,200. Furthermore, the Board resolved to suspend Employee No. 920 without pay for the next thirty (30) calendar days, and thereafter with pay, pending the outcome of the proceedings.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing regarding the District-wide Safety & Emergency Management Plan incorporating Desha's Law information, which included a public question and answer period, followed by the formal approval of the Project Save Plans for both District-wide and Building Level Safety & Emergency Plans for the 2025-2026 school year. The Board adjourned to Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a particular person or persons before reconvening. Business matters approved included the Treasurer's Report for December 2025, several painting proposals from Pierotti Corp., authorization of the 2026 mileage reimbursement rate at 72.5 cents per mile, acceptance of a donation of books from Wells Fargo Corporate Finance, disposal of an obsolete cafeteria table, and acknowledgement of signed service agreements. Personnel matters involved approving civil service appointments for several Teacher Aides, accepting several resignations, rescinding an appointment, appointing a new District Treasurer (Sonia Mora) and a part-time Deputy District Treasurer (William Oricchio), approving a leave of absence for a Teacher Aide, appointing a School Nurse, and appointing a Teacher Assistant. The Board also notified the Superintendent of the intent to extend the Superintendent's contract for three years upon the current contract's expiration in January 2027.

The Special Board of Education meeting addressed several business matters, including the approval of a rate sheet with ProCare Therapy for the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, the Board approved an agreement with Joffe Emergency Services to provide emergency overnight security services during renovations. In personnel matters, the Board approved the appointment of a Registered School Nurse, effective April 21, 2025, and approved a paid administrative leave for an employee effective April 8, 2025. No public comments were made.