May 22, 2024 minutes

Date: May 22, 2024

Kind of Meeting: Regular

Place: Herkimer Elementary School

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

Members Absent: Diann Fischer

Others Present: Superintendent Kathleen Carney, Chad Hess, Gina McKernan, Zachary Abbe, Maria Lindsay, Nicole Crandall, Renee Vogt, Cristi Paragi, Michelle Ploss, Correne Holmes, Various Staff and Various Students

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President Crandall called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Mr. Judd’s 3rd Grade class did a presentation.

President Crandall stated:

“The Board of Education welcomes public comments and community input at our meetings. However, we caution speakers 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 the Executive Session and must be coordinated with the Superintendent prior to a Board meeting. We ask that the public comments are no more than five minutes.”

Public Comment:

None

Approval of the Agenda:

Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda as submitted. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0

Board Recognition:

Mr. Crandall congratulated Mr. Mihevc for earning a Level 4 Lifetime Achievement Award under the NYSSBA Board of Excellence Recognition Program.

Approval of the Minutes:

Mr. Verenich moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education Budget Hearing meeting minutes from Tuesday, May 7, 2024. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 5-22-24)

Ryan Reed gave an update on the 2018 Capital Project

Approval of Financial Reports:

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the Board approved the following financial reports:

• Treasurer’s Report – April 2024
• General Warrant – April 2024
• Internal Claims Auditors Exception Report– April 2024
• Extracurricular Summary Report – April 2024
• Budget Transfer under $5,000

All voted in favor; motion carried 6-0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 5-22-24)

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Mihevc, 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 5-22-24)

MORIC Equipment Resolution

Mr. Mihevc moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:

WHEREAS, it is the plan of a number of PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS and the MADISON­ONEIDA BOCES (the “BOCES”) during the 2024-2025 school year to bid jointly for the purchase of various types of computers and technology commodities (the “Commodities”); and

WHEREAS AS, the Herkimer Central School District (“the School District”) is desirous of participating in the joint bidding of the Commodities, as authorized by General Municipal Law, Article 5-G; and

WHEREAS, this Board of Education has received and reviewed the Cooperative Bid Procedures (“the Procedures”) governing its right and responsibilities should it elect to participate in the joint bidding of commodities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with Cooperative Bid Procedures the Board of Education agrees to award bid purchase item purchases according to the recommendation of the BOCES if such award is in the best interest of the school district.

All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0 (Materials filed in the supplemental filed dated 5-22-24)

2018 Capital Project Phase 2 Award of Contract

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

“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Herkimer Board of Education hereby acknowledges receipt of bids for the 2018 Capital Project Phase 2; and,

THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire to award the contract to: Central Paving Inc., (General Construction Contract) in the amount of $164,250.00, for a total construction cost of $164,250.00”.

All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0 (Materials filed in the supplemental filed dated 5-22-24)

Capital Outlay 2024-2025 [SEQR]

RESOLUTION #1

RESOLUTION REGARDING STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District has considered the impacts to the environment of the proposed capital improvement project consisting of reconstruction, renovation, and construction of improvements and upgrades to District buildings and facilities, original furnishings, fixtures and equipment and the detailed scope of work prepared by its Architect King + King dated April 24, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed the scope of the Proposed Action and has further received and considered the advice and recommendations of its Architects with respect to the potential for environmental impacts resulting from the Proposed Action; and

WHEREAS, the District has reviewed the Proposed Action with respect to the Type II criteria set forth in 6 NYCRR part 617.5(c) (1), (2) and (10) and concluded that the project involves activities involving no substantial changes in existing structures or facilities, and replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of structures or facilities in kind and routine activities of an educational institution, now therefore;

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education as follows:

1. The Proposed Action individually and collectively does not exceed thresholds established under 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
2. The Board hereby determines that the Proposed Action is a Type II action in accordance with the SEQRA regulations.
3. No further review of the Proposed Action is required under SEQRA.
4. This Resolution shall be effective immediately.

CERTIFICATION

A Regular/Special Meeting of the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District held on May 22, 2024, was called to order by Brian Crandall, President, and upon roll being called, the following members were:

PRESENT: Brian Crandall, Michele Gilbert, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci and Aleksander Verenich

ABSENT: Diann Fischer

The attached Resolution which was offered by Mr. Petucci and seconded by Ms. Gilbert at the said meeting, was approved by a majority vote of the Board of Education.

All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0 (Materials filed in the supplemental filed dated 5-22-24)

Transfer to Capital 2024-2025 [SEQR] RESOLUTION #2

RESOLUTION REGARDING STATE ENVIROMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District has considered the impacts to the environment of the proposed capital improvement project consisting of reconstruction, renovation, and construction of improvements and upgrades to District buildings and facilities, including site improvements, original furnishings, fixtures and equipment and the detailed scope of work prepared by its Architect King + King dated April 30, 2024; and

WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed the scope of the Proposed Action and has further received and considered the advice and recommendations of its Architects with respect to the potential for environmental impacts resulting from the Proposed Action; and

WHEREAS, the District has reviewed the Proposed Action with respect to the Type II criteria set forth in 6 NYCRR part 617.5(c) (1), (2) and (10) and concluded that the project involves activities involving no substantial changes in existing structures or facilities, and replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of structures or facilities in kind and routine activities of an educational institution, now therefore;

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education as follows:

1. The Proposed Action individually and collectively does not exceed thresholds established under 6 NYCRR Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
2. The Board hereby determines that the Proposed Action is a Type II action in accordance with the SEQRA regulations.
3. No further review of the Proposed Action is required under SEQRA.
4. This Resolution shall be effective immediately.

CERTIFICATION

A Regular/Special Meeting of the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District held on May 22, 2024, was called to order by Brian Crandall, President, and upon roll being called, the following members were:

PRESENT: Brian Crandall, Michele Gilbert, Joseph Lamanna, Robert Mihevc, Scott Petucci and Aleksander Verenich

ABSENT: Diann Fischer

The attached Resolution which was offered by Mr. Verenich and seconded by Mr. Mihevc at the said meeting, was approved by a majority vote of the Board of Education.

All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0 (Materials filed in the supplemental filed dated 5-22-24)

2024-2025 BOCES Contract (AS-7)

Mr. Petucci moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded 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.

All voted in favor; motion carried 6-0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 5-22-24)

2023-2024 School Calendar Adjustment

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

BE IT RESOLVED, upon recommendation of the Superintendent of the Schools, I would be seeking Board approval to adjust the 2023-2024 school calendar to reflect the following:

• June 24, 2024 – HES/HHS Early Release
• June 25, 2024 – HES/HHS Early Release

All voted in favor; motion carried 6-0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 5-22-24)

Catholic Charities Prevention Services Agreement

Mr. Petucci moved, and Mr. Mihvec 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, 2024, and shall extend through and including June 30, 2025.

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

All voted in favor; motion carried 6-0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 5-22-24)

MORIC Multi-Year Contract

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Mr. Verenich seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District desires to enter into a 3 year contract with the Madison-Oneida BOCES in order for the Mohawk Regional Information Center to furnish certain services to the District pursuant to Education Law 1950(4)(jj), those services being: Broadband Telecommunications as defined on the attached sheet(s).

NOW, THEREFORE, it is RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District agrees to enter into a contract with the Madison-Oneida BOCES through the provision of said services to the District not to exceed $425.00 monthly, plus any one time vendor installation costs, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Education, for a period of 3 years, beginning on or about July 1, 2024, and ending on or about June 30, 2027.

WHEREAS, it is the District desire to for the Superintendent and the District Clerk to sign this contract on the Boards behalf.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 6-0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 5-22-24)

Policy Review

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Kathleen A. Carney on a motion made by Mr. Lamanna, seconded by Mr. Verenich, the Board approved the following policy audit. Motion carried 6-0.

• #1300 Handling and Disseminating Identifying Information Received Regarding Sex Offenders
• #1500 Complaints
• #1500.1 (new) Communication Guidelines
• #1600 Operation of Motor-Driven Vehicles on District Property
• #5307 Authorized Signatories for Data Privacy Agreement

(Copy of policies located on district website)

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Kathleen A. Carney on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Verenich, the Board approved the following policy audit to be deleted. Motion carried 6-0.

• #1500.1 (old) Communication Guidelines

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Kathleen A. Carney on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the Board tabled the following policy audit. Motion carried 6-0.

• #1400 Constitutionally Protected Prayer in the Schools

Election Worker Appointment

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Lamanna, seconded by Ms. Gilbert, the Board approved the following:

Name: Kimberly Lanza
Title: Inspector
Hours: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Rate of Pay: $17.50

All voted in favor; motion carried 6-0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 5-22-24)

Operations Budget Vote Results

Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Gilbert 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 2024-2025 Operations Budget/Capital Reserve Fund/Board vote results from Tuesday, May 21, 2024.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 6-0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 5-22-24)

Superintendent Carney provided updates

Administrative Reports:

Ms. Vogt, Mr. Abbe, and Ms. Lindsay reports were reviewed with the BOE. Discussions followed.

CSE/CPSE Program/Placement Recommendations:

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Lamanna, 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 5-22-24)

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS:

Mr. Petucci moved, seconded by Mr. Lamanna a motion to table staffing recommendations until after executive session. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0

President Crandall provided updates and reminded the BOE the next two meetings would be June 12 and July 10

On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE entered into 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. 6:0 in favor; Motion Carried.

Executive Session:

The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:20 p.m.

The Board exited Executive Session at 9:30 p.m.

Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to remove from the table Staffing Recommendations.

All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0

Upon recommendations of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Mihevc, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the following personnel action 5:0:1:

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS

Amendment Non-Teaching Appointment: (05-17-2023)

Name: White, Lynn
Position: Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist Assistant
Effective Date: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026
Salary: As per contract

Teaching Resignation:

Name: Maxam, Roger
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: August 25, 2024

Name: Nicklaw, Ryan
Position: Physics
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective Date: June 30, 2024

Non-Teaching Appointment:

Name: LaPorte, Hilary
Positon: Typist
Location: District Wide
Effective: May 22, 2024
Salary: $17.50/hour
(Probationary period from January 2, 2024 – July 1, 2024)

Temporary Summer Appointment:

Name: Lyga, Jami
Position: Summer Receiving (Jr/Sr High School)
Effective Date: July 15, 2024 – September 29, 2024
Salary: $18.00/hr

Name: Moorehead, Melissa
Position: Summer Receiving (Elementary School)
Effective Date: July 15, 2024 – September 29, 2024
Salary: $18.00/hr

Substitutes:

Name: Clarke, Adia*
Position: Substitute
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: May 23, 2024 – June 30, 2024
Salary: Annual Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
*Pending Fingerprint clearance

Name: Judd, Ava*
Position: Substitute
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: May 23, 2024 – June 30, 2024
Salary: Annual Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
*Pending Fingerprint clearance

Name: Perkett, Audrea*
Position: Substitute
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: May 23, 2024 – June 30, 2024
Salary: Annual Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
*Pending Fingerprint clearance

Teaching Tenure Appointments:

Name: Horender, Kylee
Location: Elementary School
Tenure Area: Childhood Education (1-6)
Probationary Period: 09/01/2021 – 8/31/2024
Effective Date: September 1, 12024

Name: Lamanna, Sara
Location: Elementary School
Tenure Area: K-12 School Counselor
Probationary Period: 07/01/2020 – 06/30/2024
Effective Date: July 1, 2024

Name: Peyton, Leah
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Tenure Area: Secondary Science
Probationary Period: 9/1/2021 – 8/31/2024
Effective Date: September 1, 2024

Name: Rosenburgh, Chester
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Tenure Area: Secondary Mathematics
Probationary Period: 9/1/2020 – 8/31/2024
Effective Date: September 1, 2024

Mentor Appointment 2023-2024 School Year:

Olds, Jennifer, STEM/Library Teacher (Mentor)
Kozma, Krista, Physical Education Teacher (Mentee)
Salary per the HFA contract (prorated)

Adjournment:

On a motion made by Mr. Petucci, and seconded by Mr. Mihevc, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 9:35 p.m. All voted in favor 6:0

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Gina A. McKernan
District Clerk