June 21, 2023 minutes

Date: June 21, 2023

Place: Herkimer Middle-High School District Library Media Center

Members Present: Brian Crandall, Michele Gilbert, Joseph Lamanna, Scott Petucci and Diann Fischer

Members Absent: Aleksander Verenich, and Robert Mihevc

Others Present: Superintendent Kathleen Carney, Chad Hess, Ryan Orilio, Zach Abbe, Cristi Paragi, Michelle Ploss, Mary Tomaso, Renee Vogt, and Susan Steele

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The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. at the Herkimer Middle-High School Library Media Center by President Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

President Crandall welcomed members in the audience. He explained that the Board of Education welcomes public comment and community input at meetings. However, we caution that we are not authorized to engage in conversations pertaining to individual students, faculty, staff, or administrators. Topics of this nature may only be discussed during executive session and must be coordinated with the Superintendent of Schools prior to a BOE meeting.

Public Comment:

The Board of Education heard no comments from the public.

Approval of the Agenda:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0.

Board Recognitions:

The Board recognized the retirees (Ms. Elias, Ms. Lowell, Ms. Orts and Ms. Tomaso) and all were given a plaque for their dedication to our district. President Crandall acknowledged the thank you from the Senior Lock-in Committee and also acknowledged the high school student artwork that was on display.

Presentation of Ted Talk by ADE Heather McCutcheon:

A Ted Talk presentation was given by Ms. McCutcheon , who was one of 58 individuals in the United States to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator.

Board Recognitions:

Ms. Paragi was at the HES Last Lap, so Superintendent Carney and President Crandall presented the certificates and recognized our spring scholar athletes. Melia Couchman was then recognized as a NYS Champion in Girls Pole Vaulting. Congratulation to all. At this time, a brief recess occurred to celebrate our athletes and retirees with refreshments.

Approval of the Minutes:

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education Special meeting minutes from Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Motion carried 4:0:1. Mr. Petucci abstained as he was not present at the meeting (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education regular meeting minutes from Wednesday, May 17, 2023. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Business Reports:

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE accepts receipt of the May Treasurer’s Reports, the May Exception Report, May HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Reports, and one (1) budget transfer under the $5,000 total. A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Budget Transfers Over:

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE approved one (1) budget transfer over the $5,000 limit totaling $53,001.00. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Catholic Charities Prevention Services Coordinator Agreement:

Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby approves the attached agreement between the Herkimer County Prevention Council at Catholic Charities of Herkimer County and the Herkimer Central School District as presented. This agreement shall begin September 1, 2023, and shall extend through and including June 30, 2024.

WHEREAS, The Board of Education authorizes the Interim Superintendent of Schools to sign on behalf of the Board to enter into the agreement.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Funding of District Reserves:

Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution:

“WHEREAS, section 3651 (1-a) of the Education Law allows a school board to establish a reserve fund to be known as the Tax Certiorari Reserve to be used for the purpose of paying judgments and claims from a tax certiorari proceeding, in accordance with Article 7 of the Real Property Tax Law; and

“WHEREAS, the Herkimer Central School District Board of Education desires to establish a Tax Certiorari Reserve to pay for anticipated liabilities from pending Article 7 cases:

“IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, The Herkimer Central School District Board of Education hereby establishes a reserve to be known as the Tax Certiorari Reserve effective June 30, 2023, in the amount of $40,000.00, for the payment of tax certiorari judgments and claims resulting in challenges to the 2023 tax roll.”

“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does dissolve the tax certiorari reserve pertaining to the 2019 amount as required. The amount equaling $2,383.26 will be returned to unassigned fund balance of the General Fund as of June 30, 2023.

“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby increase the Teachers Retirement System Reserve to the maximum allowable amount as calculated by the District’s Independent Auditors as of June 30, 2023.”

“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby increase the Employees Retirement System Reserve to the maximum allowable amount as calculated by the District’s Independent Auditors as of June 30, 2023.”

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby authorize the funding of the Capital Reserve Fund with the excess of 4% from unassigned fund balance at June 30, 2023, after the designated amount for tax reduction has been set. The allocation of such excess fund balance will be determined subsequent to June 30, 2023, and prior to setting the tax levy.”

A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Town of Herkimer Tax Collection Agreement:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign an agreement between Town of Herkimer (“Town”) and Herkimer Central School District for the collection of school taxes;

THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire to enter in this agreement, effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material Filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

2023-2024 Capital Outlay Project-Owner/Architect Agreement:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District authorizes to continue Professional Services Agreement between owner and architect;

WHEREAS, the Board of Education authorizes the Herkimer Central School District (Owner) to continue professional services with King + King, Architects LLP ( Architect) for the 2023/2024 Capital Outlay Project.

All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Upstate Cerebral Palsy Agreement:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education hereby agrees to enter into agreement for the 2023-2024 school year with Upstate Cerebral Palsy to provide educational services for children residing in our district enrolled as day students in the Tradewinds Education Center; and,

THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

2023-2024 BOCES Rental of Facilities Agreement:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board resolution:

“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education hereby agrees to enter into the 2023-2024 BOCES Contract for Rental of Facilities as presented; and,

THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire for the Board President and the District Clerk to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”

A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Business Office Update:

Mr. Chad Hess reported that he has been busy with end of year paperwork, including final payrolls, salary notices, health insurance forms, purchase orders for the upcoming school year, closing grants and filing the P-Tech grant with SED for next year.

He also met with all retirees to go over their benefits.

Mr. Hess reported that the auditors were here last Friday to complete their preliminary field work and felt that all went well. They will be back in August to complete the audit.

Superintendent Report/Update:

Superintendent Carney congratulated Ms. Melia Couchman and all our scholar athletes for their hard work and dedication on and off the field. She also recognized our retirees and stated that it will be hard to say goodbye to such amazing educators . They will all be missed, but we wish them well in wherever retirement life takes them.

Ms. Heather McCutcheon was recognized as being an Apple Distinguished Educator and NYS Art Teacher of the Year – Congratulations on these amazing accomplishments.

A thank you was extended to Mohawk Valley Country Club for lending their golf carts to us for our graduation ceremony.

Mr. Jacob Lamanna was recognized on Spectrum News 1 for being a Scholar Athlete and Melia Couchman was recognized on various television stations for her successes in track. Both were very well spoken, and we are proud of their accomplishments.

Other updates were given, including: Final 5 Lap Celebration, end of year awards, Cabaret, Senior Awards ceremony, Capital Project, Opening the Fitness Center in the summer, making gains in staffing, free breakfast/lunch for all next year and Connected Community School interviews.

Lastly, Superintendent Carney gave an update on Foundation Aid and informed the Board that she and Mr. Hess have been busy working on this and will submit to the state when completed. A discussion followed.

Administrative Reports:

Ms. Vogt, Ms. Paragi, Mr. Abbe and Ms. Tomaso gave an overview of their reports. A brief discussion followed. All reports were reviewed by the BOE.

Staffing Recommendations:

Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded the motion to table agenda item 8d. Staffing Recommendations until after Executive Session. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0.

CSE/CPSE Program/Placement Recommendations:

Upon recommendation from Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the BOE approved the Committee on Special Education, the Sub-Committee on Special Education and the Committee on Preschool Special Education program/placement recommendations as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23)

Board of Education Reports:

Policy Review (Adoption/Deletion):

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Fischer 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, to wit,

• # 6302 Military Leave of Absence;
• # 6400 Fingerprinting and Criminal History Record checks for prospective employees;
• # 6401 Drug and Alcohol Testing (Transportation);

The following Regulations: #6400.1 Statement for Emergency Conditional or Conditional Appointment; #6401.1 Acknowledgement, Authorization, and Consent Form for Drug and Alcohol Testing; #6300.6 FMLA Designation Notice; #7304.1 Jr./Sr. High School Academic Eligibility

FUTHERMORE, per the Policy Service’s recommendation, the Policy Committee concurred with the suggestion to remove the following policy: #6301 Leaves of Absence;

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 policy, incorporated by reference in the minutes of this meeting:

All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Annual Reorganizational Meeting Date:

Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded the following Board resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District, does hereby set the Annual Reorganizational Meeting date to be July 12, 2023. “

All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

Appointment of Board Officer:

Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded the following Board resolution:

“SCHOOL DISTRICT CLERK PRO-TEM RECOMMEND that Kathleen A. Carney, Superintendent of Schools and Chad Hess, Business Manager, be appointed Clerk Pro-tem for the Herkimer Central School District, during the 2023-2024 school year; on an as needed basis.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 06-21-23).

President’s Update:

President Crandall praised Ms. Heather McCutcheon for having art students and student council representatives help in the effort to revitalize North Mian Street by painting a mural on one of the boarded up vacant buildings, and thanked Chief Jory for his suggestion that they help out.

Mr. Petucci acknowledged the thoughtful handwritten thank you note from Ms. Laura Scalise. He added that as a parent, he attended the BOCES National Honor Society Awards ceremony and how it showcased how special our kids/students are.

Meeting Evaluation:

Mr. Petucci, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented his review of the June 21, 2023, Board of Education meeting. He appreciated the information that was shared with them but added that it would be helpful if we could limit the late additions.

Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing negotiations, personnel and legal. 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 5:0.

Executive Session:

The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:38 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 9:23 p.m.

Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to remove from the table, agenda item 8d. Staffing Recommendations. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the BOE approved the following personnel actions. All voted in favor; motion carried 5:0:

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS:

Teaching Resignation:

• Name: Koegel, Kelly
  Position: Special Education Teacher
  Location: Elementary School
  Effective Date: August 30, 2023
• Name: Lalonde, Jillian
  Position: English/Special Education Teacher
  Location: Jr./Sr. High School
  Effective Date: August 29, 2023

Staffing Appointments:

NAME: Lindsay, Maria
TENURE AREA(s): Administrative Tenure Area of School Building Leader
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE IN EACH TENURE AREA: July 13, 2023
EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT: July 12, 2026
To the extent required by the applicable provisions of Education Law Section 2509, 2573, 3213 and 3014, in order to be granted tenure, the classroom teacher or building principal shall have received composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education Law 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least two (2) of the three (3) preceding years. If the classroom teacher or building principal receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period, he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time. For purposes of this subdivision, classroom teacher and building principal mean a classroom teacher or building principal as such terms are defined in Sections 30-2.2 and 30-3.2 of the Part.
Effective: July 13, 2023
SALARY: $112,000

NAME: Pulizzi, Jackson
TENURE AREA(s): Secondary Science
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE IN EACH TENURE AREA: September 1, 2023
EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT: August 31, 2027
To the extent required by the applicable provisions of Education Law Section 2509, 2573, 3213 and 3014, in order to be granted tenure, the classroom teacher or building principal shall have received composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education Law 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) preceding years. If the classroom teacher or building principal receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period, he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time. For purposes of this subdivision, classroom teacher and building principal mean a classroom teacher or building principal as such terms are defined in Sections 30-2.2 and 30-3.2 of the Part.
Effective: September 1, 2023
SALARY: Step 1 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract

NAME: Rocco, Alexis
TENURE AREA(s): Early Childhood Education (Birth – 2) Childhood Education (1-6)
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE IN EACH TENURE AREA: September 1, 2023
EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT: August 31, 2027
To the extent required by the applicable provisions of Education Law Section 2509, 2573, 3213 and 3014, in order to be granted tenure, the classroom teacher or building principal shall have received composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education Law 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least three (3) of the four (4) preceding years. If the classroom teacher or building principal receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period, he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time. For purposes of this subdivision, classroom teacher and building principal mean a classroom teacher or building principal as such terms are defined in Sections 30-2.2 and 30-3.2 of the Part.
Effective: September 1, 2023
SALARY: Step 1 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract

LTA Appointment:

Name: Eastwood, Sarah
Position: Licensed Teaching Assistant
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Salary: $25,500
(Probationary period from September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2027)

Name: Veit, Jennifer
Position: Licensed Teaching Assistant
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Salary: $25,500
(Probationary period from September 1, 2023 – August 31, 2027)

2021-2022 Advanced Placement Instructors:

Salary: Per HFA Contract $300 per course

• Name: Lampert, Caroline
  AP US History & Government
• Name: McCutcheon, Heather
  AP Art
• Name: Sheldon, Nicholas
  AP European History

Substitute Appointment:

• Name: Pegg, William
  Position: Long-Term Substitute
  Location: Elementary School
  Effective Date: September 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
  Salary: $212.50/day

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Request:

• Augustine, Michalyn – Elementary Teacher
  Effective on or about: July 7, 2023 for approximately 10 weeks; pending a physician’s release

Coaching Recommendations:
Fall 2023 Coaching Appointments*

• Name: Jory, Michael
  Position: Varsity Football Head Coach
• Name: Appley, Daniel
  Position: Varsity Football Assistant Coach
• Name: Steele, Zachary
  Position: Varsity Football Assistant Coach
• Name: Luppino, Rocco
  Position: Modified Football Head Coach
• Name: Lewandrowski, Kory
  Position: Modified Football Assistant Coach
• Name: Hutton, Chelsea
  Position: Varsity Cheerleading
• Name: Garrett, Patrick
  Position: Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach
• Name: Davenport, Kaitlyn
  Position: Girls Modified Soccer Head Coach
• Name: Rosenburgh, Eddy
  Position: Boys Varsity Soccer Head Coach
• Name: Judd, Ryan
  Position: Boys Modified Soccer Head Coach
• Name: Clarke, Scott
  Position: Varsity/Modified Cross Country Head Coach
• Name: Beardsley, Sarah
  Position: Cross Country Assistant Coach
• Name: Bello, Brianne
  Position: Varsity Field Hockey Head Coach

Salary Per HFA Contract, may be pro-rated as negotiated

* Conditioned upon a sufficient number of schools participating to merit a season with sufficient student participation to field a team

Fall 2023 Unpaid Coaching Appointment:

• Richard, Stacy – Varsity Cheerleading Unpaid Assistant
• Watkins, Matthew – Varsity Football Unpaid Assistant

Summer School Teaching Appointments:
(Salary: $50/hour, per MOA dated July 8, 2021)

Name | Days Worked | Position

• Melissa Brown | 16 days | Classroom Teacher
• Heather Denton | 16 days | Classroom Teacher
• Brenna Kirkpatrick | 8 days | Drama
• Shelley Kirkpatrick | 16 days | Classroom Teacher
• Debra Knowlton | 8 days | Drama
• Marissa Maldonado | 16 days | Classroom Teacher
• Barbara Macri | 16 days | Special Education Teacher
• Roger Maxam | 16 days | Classroom Teacher
• Jennifer Olds | 8 days | STEM
• Jordan Palmer | 16 days | Art/STEM
• Stacy Richard | 16 days | Speech Therapist
• Kristin Stallman | 16 days | Classroom Teacher
• Heather Wheeler-Stapf | 4 days | Art

All teaching assignments are pending student enrollment

Summer School Substitute Teaching Appointment:
(Salary: $50/hour, per MOA dated July 8, 2021)

Name | Position

• Meghan Beyel | Substitute Teacher
• Brenna Kirkpatrick | Substitute Teacher
• Samantha Kuyrkendall | Substitute Teacher
• Dawn McCumber | Substitute Teacher

Summer School Appointments:
(Salary per hourly rate)

Name | Days Worked | Position

• Beatriz Barreto | 16 days | LTA
• Debbie Briggs | 16 days | LTA
• Sandhya Farrington | 16 days | RN
• Karen Harris | 16 days | Classroom Aide
• Janice Wenke | 16 days | LTA
• Lynn White | 16 days | Occupational Therapist

All teaching assignments are pending student enrollment

Summer School Substitute Appointments:
(Salary per hourly rate)

Name | Position

• MaryBeth Hartmann | Substitute RN

Superintendent Carney left the meeting.
The Board re-entered Executive Session at 9:28 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 10:30 p.m.

Adjournment:

On a motion made by Mr. Lamanna and seconded by Ms. Gilbert, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 10:30 p.m. All voted in favor 5:0.

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Susan L. Steele
District Clerk