Date: August 21, 2024
Kind of Meeting: Regular
Place: Herkimer Jr/Sr High School District Library
Members Present: Michele Gilbert, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci, Diann Fischer and Aleksander Verenich
Members Absent: Brian Crandall
Others Present: Superintendent Kathleen Carney, Gina McKernan, Zachary Abbe, Maria Lindsay, Nicole Crandall, Renee Vogt, Michelle Ploss, Heather McCutcheon and Sara Lamanna
Vice President Gilbert called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Approval of the Agenda:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda as submitted. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0
Board Recognition:
Thank you note from senior for the Board of Education Award. Thank you note from Principal Abbe for the Board sponsoring a graduation award.
Approval of the Minutes:
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded a motion to approve the Board of Education regular meeting minutes from Wednesday, August 7, 2024. All voted in favor; motion carried 4:0:2
Approval of Financial Reports:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the Board approved the following financial reports:
- Treasurer’s Report – June 2024
- General Warrant – June 2024
- Internal Claims Auditors Exception Report– June 2024
- Extracurricular Summary Report – June 2024
- Budget Transfer under $5,000
On a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the Board approved the following financial report:
- Budget Transfer over $5,000
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08/21/24
Tax Levy Warrant Approval:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the Board approved the tax levy.
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08/21/24
MOA – Jr/Sr High Morning Groups:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded to accept the following Board resolution:
“WHEREAS BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE hereby accepts the Memorandum of Agreement to pilot a Morning Groups program for the benefit of its students and in furtherance of its pedagogical mission, between the Herkimer CSD and the Herkimer Faculty Association (HFA); and, for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Board’s behalf; and
“WHEREAS, the District desires to pilot a Morning Groups program at the Middle/High School level for the benefit of its students and in furtherance of its pedagogical mission; and
WHEREAS, the Association is agreeable to such pilot program for the 2024-2025 school year; and
WHEREAS, the parties have discussed and agreed to the creation of daily morning groups for students and teachers for the 2024-2025 school year to engage in social, emotional and organizational learning activities and strategies and to foster stronger relationships between students and teachers.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08/21/24
Special Education Consultant Agreement:
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded the following Board resolution:
“RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District approves the contract between Becky Nugent and the District, and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign the agreement, and further
RESOLVED that the Board appoints Becky Nugent as a Special Education Consultant effective September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025, all in accordance with the terms of the above approved contract”.
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08/21/24
Disposal of Surplus Items:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Verenich seconded to accept the following Board resolution:
“WHEREAS the Herkimer Central School District owns library books listed which are damaged, and;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby declares the books to be surplus and authorizes the Business Office to inform the appropriate personnel to dispose of those items in the best interest of the school district.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08/21/24
Standard Workday:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLOVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School
District hereby approves the Standard Workday as per attached NYS Local
Retirement System Standard Workday form RS 2418 for the 2024-2025
school year, based upon information provided to the BOE and placed on file as follows.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08/21/24
Waiving Readings for Adoption
Mr. Petucci moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded the following Board resolution:
WHEREAS, it is customary practice of the BOE to have three readings of a policy prior to its adoption; and
WHEREAS, the BOE wishes to adopt several policies recommended by the Policy Committee,
- #5001 District-Wide Safety Plans and Building-Level Emergency Response Plans
- #5307 Authorized Signatories for Data Privacy Agreements
- #6010 Prohibition of Sexual Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace
- #6010.1 Report of Possible Sexual Harassment
- #6404 Rights of Nursing Employees to Express Breast Milk
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE hereby waives the BOE’s customary practice of three readings prior to the adoption of policies, and adopts the following policies, incorporated by reference in the minutes of this meeting.
(Copy of policies located on district website)
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 8-21-24
Appeal to Policy 7004 – Admission of Non-Resident Students:
Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded to table this policy.
District Wide and Building Level Safety Plan Resolution:
Mr. Mihevc moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLOVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education hereby adopts the 2024-2025 District-wide and Building Level Safety Plan for the State Education Department.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 8-21-24
Superintendent Carney provided updates
Administrative Reports:
The reports of the Administrators were reviewed with the BOE. A DCIP/SCEP Plan presentation was presented by Michelle Ploss, Renee Vogt and Heather McCutcheon. Discussions followed.
CSE/CPSE Program/Placement Recommendations:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the Sub-Committee on Special Education and the Committee on Preschool Special Education program/placement recommendations as presented.
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08/21/24
STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion by Mr. Lamanna, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE approved the following personnel actions as presented.
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0; Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08/21/24
Teacher Resignation:
Name: Zupan, Kristie
Position: Physical Education Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: August 19, 2024
LTA Resignation:
Name: Giles, Shontashia
Position: LTA
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective Date: August 27, 2024
2024-2025 Fall Interscholastic Unpaid Coaching Resignation:
Name: Richard, Ross
Position: Modified Football Assistant Coach
Effective: August 13, 2024
LTA Appointments:
Name: Lemmon, Cassandra
Position: LTA
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: August 29, 2024
Salary: $26,000 – Per LTA MOA agreement
(Probationary Period from August 29, 2024 – August 28, 2028)
Name: Randall, Brittney
Position: LTA
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective Date: August 29, 2024
Salary: $26,000 – Per LTA MOA agreement
(Probationary Period from August 29, 2024 – August 28, 2028)
Retired Substitute Appointments:
Name: Bryant, Cheryl
Position: Substitute LTA
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: LTA paid at hourly rate at time of retirement
Name: Jones, Marianne
Position: Substitute Teacher
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: Based on annual payment guidelines for substitutes
Name: Lanza, Kimberly
Position: Substitute LTA
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: LTA paid at hourly rate at time of retirement
Name: MacKenzie, Maria
Position: Substitute LTA
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: LTA paid at hourly rate at time of retirement
Name: Schoff, Deborah
Position: Substitute Teacher
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: Based on annual payment guidelines for substitutes
Name: Steele, Alan
Position: Substitute Teacher
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: Based on annual payment guidelines for substitutes
Substitute Appointments:
Name: Crandall, Jenna
Position: Substitute Teacher
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: Based on annual payment guidelines for substitutes
Name: Earl-Hartmann, Mary Elizabeth
Position: Substitute Registered Nurse
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: Based on annual approval rates of registered nurses
Name: French, JoAnne
Position: Substitute Teacher
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: Based on annual payment guidelines for substitutes
Name: Saunders, Nancy
Position: Substitute Registered Nurse
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: Based on annual approval rates of registered nurses
Name: Wesolowski, Marguerite
Position: Substitute Teacher
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: Based on annual payment guidelines for substitutes
Consultant Appointment:
Name: Nugent, Becky
Position: Special Education Consultant
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025, as needed
Salary: $50 per hour – Based on Special Education Consultant Agreement
Tutor Appointments:
Name: DeSarro, Dina
Position: Tutorial Services
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: $25 per hour – Per 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract
Name: Evangelista, Cheri
Position: Tutorial Services
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: September 4, 2024 – June 30, 2025, as needed
Salary: $25 per hour – Per 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract
CSE/CPSE 1:1 Teacher Aide Appointments:
Name: Clough, Barbara
Position: 1:1 Teacher Aide
Location: St. Francis de Sales School
Effective: August 29, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Salary: $16.63 per hour – Per 2020-2025 CSEA Contract
Name: Harris, Karen
Position: 1:1 Teacher Aide
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: August 29, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Salary: $16.56 per hour – Per 2020-2025 CSEA Contract
Name: Lasorella, Monica
Position: 1:1 Teacher Aide
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: August 29, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Salary: $16.04 per hour – Per 2020-2025 CSEA Contract
2024-2025 Extra-Curricular Appointments:
Name Position Salary
Scalise, Laura Sr. High Student Council Advisor $2,450
Jones, Brooke Sr. High Student Council Asst $1,850
Saugh, Carolyn Senior Class Advisor $2,220
Steele, Zachary Sophomore Class Advisor $1,670
Sommer, Ashley Freshman Class Advisor $1,670
McGraw, Dana 8th Grade Class Advisor $1,670
Schneider, Joshua 7th Grade Co-Advisor $835
Bailey, Jennifer 7th Grade Co-Advisor $835
Jory, Cheryl 6th Grade Advisor $1,670
Gordon, Terry Sr. High Band Director Advisor $1,850
Bello, Brianne Sr. High Yearbook Technical Advisor $2,450
Sommer, Ashley Sr. High Yearbook Financial Advisor $2,450
McGraw, Dana Middle School Yearbook Advisor $1,670
Freeland, Gabriella FCCLA Advisor $1,520
Baker, Talia Fall Theatrical Production Director $1,850
Heuser, Madison Fall Theatrical Assistant Director $1,770
Heuser, Madison Spring Theatrical Production Director $2,450
2024-2025 Extra-Curricular Appointments:(continued)
Name Position Salary
Baker, Talia Spring Theatrical Assistant Director $1,770
Lampert, Caroline Sr. National Honor Society Advisor $1,520
Hayes-Manning, Susan Jr. National Honor Society Advisor $1,520
Sheldon, Nicholas UN Club Advisor $1,520
Heuser, Madison Show Choir Advisor $1,520
Paul, Heather Pep Club Advisor $1,520
Bello, Brianne Sr. High SADD Advisor $1,520
Jory, Cheryl Jr High Student Council Advisor $1,670
Baker, Talia FFA Advisor $1,520
Klink, Kayla Please Stand Up Co-Advisor $760
Alberts, Jessica L. Please Stand Up Co-Advisor $760
Rich, Kristen Sr. High Outdoor Club Advisor $1,520
Buckley, Lynnsey Sr. High Newspaper Advisor $1,520
Wheeler-Stapf, Heather Elementary Art Club Advisor $1,520
Knowlton, Debra Elementary Drama Club Advisor $1,520
Kirkpatrick, Brenna Elementary Drama Club Advisor $1,520
Olds, Jennifer Elementary Library Club Advisor $1,520
Gosier, Amberlyn Elementary Newspaper Club Advisor $1,520
Cerasi, Jamie Elementary STEM Advisor – 3rd Grade $1,520
Brown, Melissa Elementary STEM Advisor – 4th Grade $1,520
Spence, Kelly Elementary STEM Advisor – 5th Grade $1,520
Lamanna, Sara Elementary Student Council Advisor $1,770
Macri, Barbara Elementary Student Council Assistant $1,520
Denton, Heather Elementary Yearbook Advisor $1,850
Irizarry, Julie Elementary Yearbook Assistant $1,520
Johnson, Amanda Elementary Literature Club Advisor $1,520
Pegg, William Elementary Chorus Advisor $2,200
Decker, Aaron Elementary Band Advisor $2,200
Schneider, Joshua Lego League Advisor $1,500
2024-2025 Advanced Placement Instructors:
Name Position Salary
Lampert, Caroline AP US History and Government $300
McCutcheon, Heather AP Art $300
Sheldon, Nicholas AP European History $300
2024-2025 College Now Instructors:
Name Position Salary
Beardsley, Sarah Statistics $300
Jones, Brooke English I – College Writing $300
English II – Introduction to Literature $300
McCutcheon, Heather Intro to Computer Graphics and Design $300
Intro to Ceramics $300
Meyer, Chanel Spanish I $300
Spanish II $300
Rosenburgh, Chester Contemporary Math $300
Scalise, Laura Introduction to Psychology $300
Introduction to Sociology $300
Watkins, Matthew Public Speaking $300
Wolanski, Hollie Pre-Calculus $300
Calculus $300
Zorn, Leah Basic Drawing $300
Basic Painting $300
2024-2025 Fall Interscholastic Coaching Appointments*:
Name: Richard, Ross
Appointment: Modified Football Assistant Coach
Salary: $2,100 – Per 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract
* Conditioned upon a sufficient number of schools participating to merit a season with sufficient student participation to field a team
Maternity Leave Request:
Name: Davenport, Kaitlyn
Position: Elementary Education
Location: Elementary School
Effective: On or About July 28, 2024
Anticipated leave approximately 6-8 weeks; pending physician’s release
Name: Posey, Tekitha
Position: Chemistry
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective: On or About October 26, 2024
Anticipated leave approximately 6-8 weeks; pending physician’s release
Future Meeting:
Vice President Gilbert reminded the Board the next scheduled meeting will be on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
On a motion made by Mr. Lamanna, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE entered Executive Session for the purpose of legal and personnel issues. The Board may take action in public session after the Executive Session ends and the Board returns to public session. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Executive Session:
The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:47 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 8:53 p.m.
Appeal to Policy 7004 – Admission of Non-Resident Students:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to remove from the table the appeal for Policy 7004 – Admission of Non-Resident Students.
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded a motion to uphold Superintendent Carney’s decision to not allow an out of district student.
All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0
Adjournment:
On a motion made by Mr. Lamanna, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 8:55 p.m. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
______________________
Gina McKernan
District Clerk
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