May 17, 2023 minutes

Date: May 17, 2023

Place: Herkimer Middle-High School District Library Media Center

Members Present: Brian Crandall, Michele Gilbert, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Diann Fischer, Aleksander Verenich, and Scott Petucci

Members Absent: None

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

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The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6 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, staff members, and Mr. Patrick Longo from New York State School Boards Association. 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. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.

Board Recognitions:

President Crandall introduced Mr. Patrick Longo from NYSSBA who was in attendance to present two NYSSBA Awards to our school; the Champions of Change (the Best part of Me), accepted by Ms. Barb Macri, Ms. Vogt and Ms. Paragi. This award was identified as promoting positive self-identification and was conducted by Ms. Macri and her fifth-grade class. The Culture of Caring Award (Planting the Seeds of Knowledge) was accepted by Ms. Tomaso and Mr. Abbe on Ms. Heather McCutcheon’s behalf and involved art students creating planters and planting seeds for teachers. Congratulations to all!

Also acknowledged were the high school and elementary student artwork that was on display.

Ms. Meyer’s Costa Rica Presentation:

Ms. Meyer gave a brief overview of the amazing trip to Costa Rica and was very thankful to administration for the opportunity. She then introduced Mr. Kyle Carney, Ms. Madison Gargas and Mr. Caden Marusic, all students who attended the trip, so they could share their experiences.

The students described their many experiences, including their amazing tour guide, horseback riding, kayaking, zip lining over the beautiful countryside, hot springs, folk dancing, hanging bridge and the opportunity to try many different foods. Other than poor plumbing, the trip was a great way to apply the Spanish skills that they have learned, and they all highly recommend that the Board of Education approve a trip like this again in the future.

Superintendent Carney thanked Ms. Meyer for organizing this amazing trip and giving our students a once in a lifetime experience that they will never forget.

Approval of the Minutes:

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education Budget Hearing meeting minutes from Wednesday, May 3, 2023. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0:1. Ms. Fischer abstained as she was not present at the Budget Hearing (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education regular meeting minutes from Wednesday, April 19, 2023. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

Business Reports:

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE accepts receipt of the April Treasurer’s Reports, Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, April General Warrant totaling $2,419,548.80, April Capital Warrant totaling $6,500.00, April Federal Warrant totaling $53,377.59, the April Exception Report, April HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Reports, and four (4) budget transfers under the $5,000 total. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

Budget Transfers Over:

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the BOE approved one (1) budget transfer over the $5,000 limit totaling $62,631.70. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

DCMO BOCES Cooperative Purchasing Resolution:

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

WHEREAS, The Cooperative Purchasing Service is a plan of a number of public school districts in the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES Area in New York, to bid jointly equipment, supplies and contract items, and

WHEREAS, The Central School named below is desirous of participating with other districts in the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES in the joint bidding of the items mentioned above as authorized by General Municipal Law, Section 119-o, and

WHEREAS, The Central School named below wishes to appoint the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES to advertise for bid, accept, tabulate bids and award bids on their behalf; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Central School listed below hereby appoints the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES to represent it in all matters relating above, and designates the Evening Sun Newspaper as the legal publication for all Cooperative Purchasing bid notifications, and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Central School listed below authorizes the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES to represent it in all matters relating above, and designates the Evening Sun Newspaper as the legal publication for all Cooperative Purchasing bid notifications, and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Central School listed below authorizes the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES to represent it in all matters leading up to the entering into a contract for the purchase of the above mentioned commodities, and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Central School listed below agrees to (1) assume its equitable share of the costs of the Cooperative Bidding; (2) abide by majority decisions of the participating districts; (3) abide by the Award of the BOCES Board; (4) and that after the award of the bid it will conduct all negotiations directly with the successful bidder(s).

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23)

DCMO BOCES Generic Resolution:

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

WHEREAS, It is a plan of a number of public-school districts in the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES Area in New York, to bid jointly equipment, supplies and contract items, and

WHEREAS, The Central School named below is desirous of participating with other districts in the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES in the joint bidding of the items mentioned above as authorized by General Municipal Law, Section 119-o, and

WHEREAS, The Central School named below wishes to appoint a committee made up of participating schools to assume the responsibility for drafting of specifications, advertising for bids, accepting and opening bids, tabulating bids and providing the information to their Board of Education who will make the awards; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Central School listed below hereby appoints the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES to represent it in all matters relating above, and designates the Evening Sun Newspaper as the legal publication for all Cooperative Purchasing bid notifications, and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Central School listed below authorizes the above committee to represent it in all matters leading up to the entering into a contract for the purchase of the above mentioned items, and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Central School listed below agrees to (1) abide by majority decisions of the participating districts on quality standards; (2) that it will award contracts based on information provided from the bid; (3) and that after the award of the bid it will conduct all negotiations directly with the successful bidder(s).

A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

Speech Language Therapy of CNY Agreement:

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

“BE IT RESOLVED, Herkimer CSD has the need for an independent contractor to perform speech language therapy services set forth herein and enters into such an agreement with Speech-Language Therapy of Central New York, LLC, and

WHEREAS, it is the Districts desire to enter into this agreement from September 5, 2023 thru June 30, 2024; per terms and conditions of the agreement.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

Disposal of Surplus Items Resolution:

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

“WHEREAS, the Herkimer CSD owns the library books, as per attached, which are no longer useful or necessary for the school district’s purpose and are of no value to the Herkimer CSD, and;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , that the Board of Education hereby declares those items to be surplus as they have no further value to the school district and authorizes the Business Office to inform the appropriate personnel to dispose of those items in the best interest of the school district.”

A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23)

Municipal Cooperative Agreement to Provide Health Benefits Resolution:

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

“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby approves the amended and restated Municipal Cooperative Agreement to Provide Health Benefits, effective July 1, 2023, among the Member Districts of the Herkimer County Schools Health Insurance Consortium and authorizes the Board President to execute the agreement on behalf of the Herkimer Central School District”.

A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

2023-2024 BOCES Contract (AS-7):

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

“BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby authorize an Agreement between the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES and the Herkimer Central School District; and

WHEREAS, it is the Districts desire to enter into this Agreement and to authorize President Crandall to sign the agreement on behalf of the district.

A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

Business Office Update:

Mr. Hess reported that he is getting used to things at Herkimer CSD and it has been a productive 4 weeks so far. He has been busy closing the 2022-2023 school year and rolling over to the 2023-2024 school year. He stated that the auditors are coming next month, and he was very pleased with the budget vote. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Hess will send the Board a more summarized version of the business reports that have been uploaded to the monthly agenda in the past.

Superintendent Report/Update:

Superintendent Carney congratulated the teachers who received the NYSSBA awards and thanked them for all that they do for our students. She thanked Ms. Meyer for everything she did to make the Costa Rica trip a success, and recognized Ms. McCutcheon for being acknowledged as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Class of 2023.

The budget vote was a success and Superintendent Carney thanked everyone involved for their help along the way. She noted that next year, the school will have a half day on the day of the budget vote to address safety concerns of having individuals in the building when school was in session.

The prom and lock-in were both a success and she thanked Ms. Laura Scalise and all the parents who were involved in organizing this great event.

Other updates were given, including: a 2nd place finish at Music in Parks; Civics Capstone had a resolution made by village stating no parking on Church Street near the school during school hours; Village will be repainting the crosswalks and doing a study regarding the light/stop signs at the school entrance; NHS inductees through BOCES; and acknowledged Respect assemblies at the elementary school and their upcoming Family Feud night.

Lastly, Superintendent Carney recognized Ms. Mary Tomaso for receiving the Oneida/Herkimer Library System Administrator of the Year Award. Congratulations!

Administrative Reports:

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

MOA-HCSD/CSEA Account Clerk/Sr Account Clerk:

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

“BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE hereby accepts the Memorandum of Agreement between the Herkimer Central School District and the CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME AFL-CIO Herkimer Central School District Unit #7112-00 (Full Time), Herkimer County Local 822;

WHEREAS, the parties entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) dated July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2025, and the parties would like to add Account Clerk and Senior Account Clerk to the list of titles represented in the CBA as presented; and for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

Staffing Recommendations:

Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the motion to table agenda item 8d. Staffing Recommendations until after Executive Session. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.

CSE/CPSE Program/Placement Recommendations:

Upon recommendation from Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Fischer, 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 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23)

Operations Budget Vote Results:

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

“BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept the 2023-2024 Operations Budget/Board vote results from Tuesday, May 16, 2023.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23)

Interim Administrator Amended Agreement:

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

“RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District approves the addendum to the agreement between Mr. Charles Cowen and the District, and authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign the agreement”.

A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23)

Board of Education Reports:

Policy Review (Adoption/Deletion):

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, to wit,

• # 2303 Minutes;
• # 6104 Temporary Personnel;
• # 6106 Professional Staff Separation;
• # 6108 Appointment of Athletic Coaches;
• # 6109 Private Tutoring;
• # 6202 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act);
• # 6300 Leaves of Absence for Serious Health Conditions or Family Care (FMLA);
• # 8201 Homebound Instruction
• The following Regulations: #6300.1 Request for FMLA; #6300.2 FMLA Notice of Eligibility and Rights and Responsibilities; #6300.3. FMLA Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition; #6300.4. FMLA Certification of Qualifying Exigency for Military Family Leave; #6300.5. FMLA Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member’s Serious Health Condition;
• FUTHERMORE, per the Policy Service’s recommendation, the Policy Committee concurred with the suggestion to remove the following policy: #6002 Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment including Sexual Harassment in Employment; #6003 Complaints and Grievances by Employees; #6201 Health Examinations;

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:

A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 05-17-23).

President’s Update:

President Crandall thanked all who came out and voted; Mr. Mower and Mr. Hess for all of the work they put into developing the budget; and Superintendent Carney for all of her support.

He wanted to bring 2 items from the latest On-Board publication to the Boards attention: The rise of Fentanyl use by teens since COVID; and on April 8, 2024, there will be a full solar eclipse while school is in session.

Mr. Petucci informed the Board that he as well as Mr. Lamanna and so many other parents, helped out at the Lock-In. He thought it was a great event and it was nice to interact with our students in a way that they wouldn’t normally get to.

Future Meeting Dates/Agenda Items:

The next scheduled BOE meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Library Media Center. All agreed on dates and times.

Meeting Evaluation:

Mr. Mihevc, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented his review of the May 17, 2023, Board of Education meeting. He felt that they were given all of the information that was needed; it was nice to hear from the students who traveled to Costa Rica; and acknowledged the recognition from NYSSBA.

Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing 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 7:0.

Executive Session:

The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:40 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 9:45 p.m.

Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to remove from the table, agenda item 8d. Staffing Recommendations. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney on a motion made by Mr. Mihevc, seconded by Mr. Verenich, the BOE approved the following personnel actions. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0:

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS:

Teaching Resignation:

• Name: Paddock, William
  Position: Music Teacher
  Location: Jr./Sr. High School
  Effective Date: June 30, 2023
• Name: Scalise, Jianna
  Position: Licensed Teaching Assistant
  Location: Elementary School
  Effective Date: June 30, 2023

Non-Teaching Resignation:

• Name: Chilelli, Cristina
  Position: Typist
  Location: Jr./Sr. High School
  Effective Date: May 31, 2023

Teaching Appointment:

• Name: Steele, Alan
  Position: .5 Driver’s Education Teacher
  Location: Jr./Sr. High School
  Effective Date: September 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
  Salary: Step 13 (*) Pro-rated
  (*) 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract

Non-Teaching Appointment:

• Name: Chilelli, Cristina
  Position: Account Clerk
  Location: Jr./Sr. High School
  Effective Date: June 1, 2023
  Salary: $18.25/hour
  (Probationary period from June 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023)
• Name: White, Lynn
  Position: Occupational Therapist/ Physical Therapist Assistant
  Effective Date: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
  Salary: As per contract

CSE/CPSE Teacher Aide Appointment:

• Name: Montana, Toni
  Position: 1:1 Teacher aide at St. Francis de Sales
  Effective Date: May 18, 2023 – June 30, 2023
  Salary: $15/hr

Substitute Appointment:

• Name: Ploss, Aidan
  Position: Substitute
  Location: District-Wide
  Effective Date: May 22, 2023 – June 30, 2023, as needed, pending NYS Fingerprint Clearance
  Salary: Per Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
• Name: Stone, Camryn
  Position: Elementary School
  Location: District-Wide
  Effective Date: May 18, 2023 – June 30, 2023, as needed
  Salary: Per Payment Guidelines for Substitutes

Temporary Summer Appointments:

• Name: Gilbert, Hannah
  Position: Summer Receiving [Jr./Sr. High School]
  Effective Date: July 24, 2023- September 29, 2023, on an as needed basis
  Salary: $18/hr
• Name: Moorehead, Melissa
  Position: Summer Receiving [Elementary School]
  Effective Date: July 24, 2023- September 29, 2023, on an as needed basis
  Salary: $18/hr

Summer Appointments:

• Name: Crandall, Jayden
  Position: Summer Help [District Wide]
  Effective Date: July 1, 2023- August 31, 2023 on an as needed basis, up to 20 hours/week
  Salary: Per NYS minimum wage guidelines
• Name: Stapf, Abigail
  Position: Summer Help [District Wide]
  Effective Date: July 1, 2023- August 31, 2023 on an as needed basis, up to 20 hours/week
  Salary: Per NYS minimum wage guidelines, pending NYS Fingerprint Clearance
• Name: Stapf, Victoria
  Position: Summer Help [District Wide]
  Effective Date: July 1, 2023- August 31, 2023 on an as needed basis, up to 20 hours/week
  Salary: Per NYS minimum wage guidelines

Adjournment:

On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 9:45 p.m. All voted in favor 7:0.

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Susan L. Steele
District Clerk