Molly Anderson

At the recommendation of the district’s Architect, Gordon Jones, and the district’s Construction Manager, Turner Construction, the Westfield Academy and Central School District Board of Education accepted several resolutions for change orders for the 2019 Capital Improvement Project at its most recent meeting.

Superintendent Michael Cipolla explained the need for the change orders to the board. Each member also received architectural drawings, cost breakdowns and detailed descriptions of the changes.

Change Order 104-001, is to relocate new kitchen, to change air unit location to coordinate with the structural steel, install roof curb, ductwork, duct supports, insulation and diffusers in the amount of $16,316. Change Order 104-002, is for the installation of a new walk-in freezer at the first floor adjacent to the kitchen in the amount of $14,146.

Change Order 104-003 is for the removal of the existing deteriorated freezer located in the basement and the installation of a new 11’7″ x 9’8″ walk-freezer in the same location in the amount of $25,261. Change Order 105-001 is for the installation of new conduit, wire, cabling, boxes & associated fasteners, hangers & connectors to allow for the replacement of two (2) existing 7.5 HP pumps in the amount of $1,537.

Board member Deanne Manzilla asked where the district stood in relation to the budget for the project. Business Manager Joshua Melquist responded that, after the change orders, the district was still $104,000 below budget.

“So, we’re in good shape,” he said.

Cipolla also asked for and received board approval of an Intermunicipal Agreement, for the sharing of a lift bus, between the Westfield Academy and Central School District and the Brocton Central School District. He explained that the district’s lift bus needs about $50,000 of repairs, which was not included in the 2021-2022 budget.

“It is in a state where we can no longer use it,” he said. “So, we can enter a partnership with Brocton to share a lift bus for the balance of the school year.”

Additionally, Cipolla reminded board members that last year the district sent out a survey about priorities for the athletic complex. He said that on December 15, information will be made available to the school community about the complex.

“We will be inviting the school community to a forum,” he said. “We hope to not only share information, but also to get more feedback from our community.”

In another matter, Cipolla addressed the availability of vaccines for children ages 5 to 11. He said the Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for use by children, noting that it is a two-phase vaccine. There are clinics being offered at the county level, he said. While receiving the vaccine is not a mandate, the district has been asked to share information with families, he added.

In her report to the board, Elementary Principal Dr. Mary Rockey said that October was a wonderful month as far as community engagement was concerned. She expressed appreciation to the local volunteer fire department for absorbing the cost of several grades visiting the Chautauqua Safety Village.

“Students also enjoyed a parade of vehicles for fire safety week,” she said. “There was very nice interaction.”

Rockey reminded the board that, due to a lockdown, students were not able to have their Halloween parade to Westfield Hospital and Absolute Care as planned. Nevertheless, students enjoyed Halloween candy from both places, she said.

“Since we could not go visit them, they came to our school,” she said. “The PTO also provided snacks on Halloween, and the fruit was wonderful.”

Rockey also told board members that BOCES staff will present Project Know for participating fifth graders the week of Nov. 29. An informational parent meeting will be held via ZOOM so parents can determine if they want their child to participate, she said.

According to the BOCES website, “The mission of Project KNOW is to teach a high quality, comprehensive sexuality education program, providing our students with the knowledge, integrity and passion to make healthy personal decisions. Program Goals: Provide reliable, age-appropriate knowledge regarding sexuality. Encourage healthy, responsible attitudes about sexuality.”

Secondary Principal Corey Markham gave the board a report on homecoming, noting that most of the students enjoyed being outside.

“It was a little cold but we did the best we could,” he said.

He also noted that winter sports have already begun.

Molly Anderson, curriculum director, introduced the goals of the new District Technology Plan for 2022-2025. She said the intentions of the plan include sustaining the 1:1 student laptop initiative, maintaining and updating infrastructure, and building a culture of digital citizenship with a focus on PK-12 cybersecurity.

“The plan will coincide with our Professional Development Plan and the Smart Schools Bond Act Investment Plan,” she said.

Anderson also informed board members that New York state has issued advanced the state Education Department seals to WACS.

“The district received three digital badges from the State,” she said. “We received a silver badge for bi-literacy.”

During board commentary, Tom Tarpley raised the matter of quarantining students. He told fellow board members that he requested numbers from the beginning of the school year until last Friday, Nov. 5.

“Of the 115 students that have been quarantined, only five tested positive,” he said. “Health is not a one size fits all approach.”

Tarpley stressed the importance of keeping students in the building.

“If 115 kids are quarantined, and 110 don’t have COVID, why can’t the Department of Health make some changes?” he asked. “We have a proven track record of diligent screening.”