Nov. 15, 2023 minutes

Date: November 15, 2023

Kind of Meeting: Regular

Place: Herkimer Middle-High School District Library

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

Members Absent: None

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

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

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 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:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda as submitted. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.

Approval of the Minutes:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education regular meeting minutes from Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-15-23)

Curriculum Council Summer Project Presentation:

Several Jr/Sr High School teachers spoke and presented materials about upcoming events and what they have been doing in their classrooms. Everyone was very enthusiastic as they spoke to the BOE about the achievements they have made so far for this school year with their students.

Business Reports:

Upon recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the BOE accepts receipt of the October Treasurer’s Report, October General Warrant totaling $1,662,659.03, October Exception Report, October HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Treasurer’s Report and Budget Transfer over the $5,000. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-15-23)

Return of Unpaid Taxes:

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

RESOLVED, that Brian Crandall, President of the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District, in the Town of Herkimer, County of Herkimer, NY, be and hereby is authorized, empowered and directed to sign on behalf of said Board of Education of said District, the Certificate of the Board of Education of said District attached to the “School Collector’s Return to County Treasurer” of unpaid taxes of said District, which return is for the unpaid taxes assessed upon the lands in said District in the tax list made out and delivered to the Collector on the 16th day of August 2023, and which return is dated and made on the 1st day of November 2023.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0; Filed: Supplemental Packet (11/15/23)

Business Updates:

Business Manger Chad Hess stated that working with Jodi Rivers from the Herkimer Town Office for the unpaid taxes has been smooth. The business office has scanned 2 boxes to audit for review.

Donation to School from Class of 1973:

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

“BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District accepts the following donation in the amount of $500 to the Herkimer Central School District from the Class of 1973.

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-15-23)

Donation to School from FSCS:

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

“BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District accepts the following donation of five sets of choral risers to the Herkimer Central School District from the Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District.

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-15-23)

Policy Review:

Mr. Petucci 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,

#6402 Drug-Free Workplace Policy

#6500 Employee Activities

#6502 Employee Assistance Program

#6600 Staff-Student Relations (Fraternization)

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:

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-15-23)

TREATY Program

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

“BE IT RESOLVED, the Herkimer CSD has agreed upon the TREATY programming set forth herein and enters into such an agreement with Catholic Charities of Herkimer County during the 2023-2024 school year.

WHEREAS, it is the Districts desire to enter into this agreement for the 2023-2024 school year; per terms and conditions of the agreement, and have the Superintendent sign on the Districts behalf.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-15-23)

Simply Special Learning Center Contract

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

“BE IT RESOLVED, the Herkimer CSD has the need for an independent contractor to perform educational and therapeutic services set forth herein and enters into such an agreement with Simply Special Learning Center, LLC during the 2023 – 2024 school year for one (1) Non- Public Student, one (1) School Aged Public School Student and one (1) in the Home Instruction Program; and,

WHEREAS, it is the Districts desire to enter into this agreement for the 2023- 2024 school year; per terms and conditions of the agreement.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-15-23)

NYSMEC Gas and Electric Resolution

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

“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes participation in Cooperative Energy Purchasing Services (NYSMEC), and agrees to the billing schedule for those natural gas and electric services as well; and ,

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

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-15-23)

Capital Project 2024 – SEQRA

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education (the “Board”) of the Herkimer Central School District, Herkimer County, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to undertake a proposed Capital Improvement Project, 2024 (the “Project”) consisting of the partial reconstruction and renovation of, and the construction of additions, improvements, and upgrades to, various District buildings and facilities (and the sites thereof), at an estimated maximum cost of $35,350,000, to implement various health, safety, accessibility and code compliance measures required by the State Education Department in connection with any significant capital improvement project, and various other measures that are generally described in (but are not to be limited by) the written plan for the Project that was prepared by the District with the assistance of King + King Architects (the “Project Plan”), which is available for public inspection in the offices of the District Clerk, such work being anticipated to include, without limitation and to the extent as and where required, the particular items described below:

1. building improvements anticipated to include
   • relocation of office spaces, renovation of auditorium and entry, improvements to Chorus/Band room, removal of pool, reconstruction of Auxiliary Gym, reconstruction and relocation of CSE Office, upgrades to PE office, improvements to cafeteria, relocation of gym storage, creation of large group instruction room, improvements to art room, reconstruction of exterior bathroom, improvements to media center, and improvements to faculty restrooms at the Jr./Sr. High School and
   • renovation of Nurses Office, reconfiguration of Main Office spaces, creation of gym office space, improvements to B-wing staff bathrooms, replacement of 2008 roof and replacement of gym wall pads at the Elementary School;
2. safety and security upgrades including removal of first main entry transaction window at the Elementary School;
3. building system upgrades anticipated to include
   • installation of blue lights in assembly areas, expansion of Public Address system to be heard outside of building, expansion of card access to select locations and installation of water softener system in both the Elementary School and Jr./Sr. High School;
   • upgrades to Cafetorium to install sound system and projector in the Elementary School; and
   • upgrades to Chiller for air conditioning of classrooms;
4. other upgrades anticipated to include
   • replacement of Bus Garage roof,
   • various general improvements to Harmon Field at the Jr./Sr. High School;
   • replacement of sound system, field lighting, soccer and football field scoreboards at the Athletic Complex;
   • improvements to baseball field scoreboard, bleachers and dugouts at the Athletic Complex;
   • reconstruction of track at the Athletic Complex; and
   • improvements to concession stand and press box at the Athletic Complex; and
5. proposed site work anticipated to include
   • conversion or reconstruction of vehicle bridge across the Bellinger Brook Floodway as a Secondary entrance/exit at the Jr./Sr. High School;
   • improvement or reconstruction of the back gym parking lot at the Jr./Sr. High School;
   • replacement of parking lot lighting to upgrade to LED lighting at both Elementary School and Athletic Complex;
   • addition of lighting at both play areas at Elementary School; and
   • improvements to the Small Play Area to incorporate age appropriate Pre-K equipment and expansion to accommodate 2 classes.

The foregoing components of the Project (or so much thereof as can be accomplished within the overall budget for the Project, once the construction bids are received) are to be undertaken at an estimated maximum cost of $35,350,000, and will include the purchase of original furnishings, equipment, machinery and apparatus required in connection with the purposes for which such buildings, facilities and sites are used, and all ancillary or related work required in connection therewith, and the Board is authorized to expend therefore, including for preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and in connection with the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated maximum cost of $35,350,000, provided that the detailed costs of the components of the Project (as generally described in the Project Plan) may be reallocated among such components, or such components may be deleted, revised or supplemented if

1. the Board shall determine that such reallocation, deletion, revision or supplementation is in the best interests of the District and
2. the aggregate amount to be expended for the Project shall not exceed $35,350,000 and
3. no material change shall be made in the overall scope and nature of the Project; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law, Chapter 43-B of the Consolidated Laws of New York, as amended (the “SEQR Act”) and the regulations (the “Regulations”) adopted pursuant thereto by the Department of Environmental Conservation of the State of New York (collectively with the SEQR Act, “SEQRA”), the District must satisfy the requirements contained in SEQRA and the Regulations prior to making a final determination whether to undertake the Project; and

WHEREAS, to aid in determining whether the Project may have a significant effect upon the environment, King + King Architects (the “Architect”) and the District have reviewed a short form environmental assessment form (the “SEAF”) prepared by the Architect and a letter prepared by the Architect making certain recommendations regarding the environmental review of the Project (the “Architect Letter”), copies of which were presented to and reviewed by the District at this meeting and copies of which are on file at the office of the District; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to SEQRA, the District has examined the SEAF and the Architect Letter in order to make a determination as to the potential environmental significance of the Project; and

WHEREAS, the Project does not appear to constitute a “Type I Action” (as such quoted term is defined in the Regulations), and therefore coordinated review and notification is optional with respect to the actions contemplated by the District with respect to the Project; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to SEQRA, the District now desires to determine whether the Project may have a significant effect on the environment and whether an environmental impact statement (“EIS”) must be prepared with respect to the Project;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of the District as follows:

Section 1. Based upon an examination of the SEAF and the Architect Letter, the recommendation of the Architect, and based further upon the District’s knowledge of the area surrounding the Project and such further investigation of the Project and its environmental effects as the District and the Architect have deemed appropriate, the District makes the following findings with respect to the Project:

(A) The Project consists of the partial reconstruction and renovation of, and the construction of additions, improvements, and upgrades to, various District buildings and facilities (and the sites thereof), at an estimated maximum cost of $35,350,000, to implement various health, safety, accessibility and code compliance measures required by the State Education Department in connection with any significant capital improvement project, and various other measures, as more particularly described in the first recital paragraph hereof; and

(B) No potentially significant impacts on the environment are noted in the SEAF, none were described or noted by the Architect and none are known to the District.

Section 2. Based upon the foregoing investigation of the potential environmental impacts of the Project and considering both the magnitude and importance of each environmental impact therein indicated, the District makes the following findings and determinations with respect to the Project:

(A) The Project constitutes an “Unlisted Action” (as said quoted term is defined in SEQRA) and, and therefore coordinated review and notification of other involved agencies is strictly optional. The District has determined not to seek lead agency status with respect to the Project or to undertake coordinated review and notification procedures with respect to the Project;

(B) The Project will result in no major impacts and, therefore, is one which will not cause significant damage to the environment. Therefore, the District hereby determines that the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment, and the District will not require the preparation of an environmental impact statement with respect to the Project; and

(C) As a consequence of the foregoing, the District has decided to prepare a negative declaration with respect to the Project.

Section 3. The District Clerk is hereby directed to prepare a negative declaration with respect to the Project, said negative declaration to be substantially in the form and to the effect of the negative declaration attached hereto as Exhibit A, and to cause copies of said negative declaration to be

• filed in the main office of the District and
• distributed to the interested parties, including
  • the chief executive officer of the political subdivision in which the Project is located,
  • all “involved agencies,” and
  • any person requesting the same.

Section 4. The District Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of this Resolution with respect to the Project in the office of the District.

Section 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

The motion having been duly moved, the resolution was acted upon by the Board of Education and after roll call there were 7 votes in favor of the resolution and 0 votes against the resolution as follows:

Board Members:

Brian Crandall, President
Voting Yes

Michele Gilbert, Vice President
Voting Yes

Diann Fischer
Voting Yes

Joseph Lamanna
Voting Yes

Robert Mihevc
Voting Yes

Scott Petucci
Voting Yes

Aleksander Verenich
Voting Yes

Notice of Special School District Meeting and Vote

The Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District, Herkimer County, New York (the “District”) HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that a special meeting and vote of the qualified voters of the District (the “Special Meeting and Vote”) will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in the Jr./Sr. High School Library located at 801 West German Street, Herkimer, New York, at 12:00 p.m., prevailing time, for the purpose of voting (by electronic scan voting machines or, in the alternative, paper ballots) upon the proposition hereinafter set forth. Polls for the purpose of voting will be kept open between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., prevailing time, on that day. In the event that the District’s schools are closed on January 16, 2024 due to emergency or inclement weather (or for any other reason), the date of the Special Meeting and Vote will be changed, without further notice, to the date on which the District’s schools are next open.

PROPOSITION NO. 1 – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, 2024

Shall the following resolutions be adopted, to-wit:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education (the “Board”) of the Herkimer Central School District, Herkimer County, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to undertake a proposed Capital Improvement Project, 2024 (the “Project”) consisting of the partial reconstruction and renovation of, and the construction of additions, improvements, and upgrades to, various District buildings and facilities (and the sites thereof), at an estimated maximum cost of $35,350,000, to implement various health, safety, accessibility and code compliance measures required by the State Education Department in connection with any significant capital improvement project, and various other measures that are generally described in (but are not to be limited by) the written plan for the Project that was prepared by the District with the assistance of King + King Architects (the “Project Plan”), which is available for public inspection in the offices of the District Clerk, such work being anticipated to include, without limitation and to the extent as and where required, the particular items described below:

1. building improvements anticipated to include
   • relocation of office spaces, renovation of auditorium and entry, improvements to Chorus/Band room, removal of pool, reconstruction of Auxiliary Gym, reconstruction and relocation of CSE Office, upgrades to PE office, improvements to cafeteria, relocation of gym storage, creation of large group instruction room, improvements to art room, reconstruction of exterior bathroom, improvements to media center, and improvements to faculty restrooms at the Jr./Sr. High School and
   • renovation of Nurses Office, reconfiguration of Main Office spaces, creation of gym office space, improvements to B-wing staff bathrooms, replacement of 2008 roof and replacement of gym wall pads at the Elementary School;
2. safety and security upgrades including removal of first main entry transaction window at the Elementary School;
3. building system upgrades anticipated to include
   • installation of blue lights in assembly areas, expansion of Public Address system to be heard outside of building, expansion of card access to select locations and installation of water softener system in both the Elementary School and Jr./Sr. High School;
   • upgrades to Cafetorium to install sound system and projector in the Elementary School; and
   • upgrades to Chiller for air conditioning of classrooms;
4. other upgrades anticipated to include
   • replacement of Bus Garage roof,
   • various general improvements to Harmon Field at the Jr./Sr. High School;
   • replacement of sound system, field lighting, soccer and football field scoreboards at the Athletic Complex;
   • improvements to baseball field scoreboard, bleachers and dugouts at the Athletic Complex;
   • reconstruction of track at the Athletic Complex; and
   • improvements to concession stand and press box at the Athletic Complex; and
5. proposed site work anticipated to include
   • conversion or reconstruction of vehicle bridge across the Bellinger Brook Floodway as a Secondary entrance/exit at the Jr./Sr. High School;
   • improvement or reconstruction of the back gym parking lot at the Jr./Sr. High School;
   • replacement of parking lot lighting to upgrade to LED lighting at both Elementary School and Athletic Complex;
   • addition of lighting at both play areas at Elementary School; and
   • improvements to the Small Play Area to incorporate age appropriate Pre-K equipment and expansion to accommodate 2 classes.

The foregoing components of the Project (or so much thereof as can be accomplished within the overall budget for the Project, once the construction bids are received) are to be undertaken at an estimated maximum cost of $35,350,000, and will include the purchase of original furnishings, equipment, machinery and apparatus required in connection with the purposes for which such buildings, facilities and sites are used, and all ancillary or related work required in connection therewith, and the Board is authorized to expend therefore, including for preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and in connection with the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated maximum cost of $35,350,000, provided that the detailed costs of the components of the Project (as generally described in the Project Plan) may be reallocated among such components, or such components may be deleted, revised or supplemented if:

1. the Board shall determine that such reallocation, deletion, revision or supplementation is in the best interests of the District and
2. the aggregate amount to be expended for the Project shall not exceed $35,350,000 and
3. no material change shall be made in the overall scope and nature of the Project; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board is hereby authorized to expend or apply toward such Project the amount of $5,000,000 from the District’s Capital Reserve Fund; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a tax is hereby voted to finance the balance of the estimated maximum cost of the Project in an amount not to exceed $35,350,000, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by the Board; and be it further

RESOLVED, that in anticipation of such tax, obligations of the District (including, without limitation, serial bonds, statutory installment bonds and/or lease/purchase obligations) are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $30,350,000, and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on such obligations as the same shall become due and payable; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the New York State Building Aid funds expected to be received by the District are anticipated to offset a substantial part of such costs, and such funds shall, to the extent received, be applied to offset and reduce the amount of taxes herein authorized to be levied.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that such Proposition No. 1 shall appear on the scannable ballot sheets or the paper ballots, as the case may be, to be utilized for voting on such Proposition No. 1 in substantially the following abbreviated form:

PROPOSITION NO. 1 – CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, 2024

YES NO

Shall the following resolution be adopted, to-wit:

RESOLVED, that:

• the Board of Education (the “Board”) of the Herkimer Central School District, Herkimer County, New York (the “District”) is hereby authorized to undertake a Capital Improvement Project, 2024 (the “Project”) consisting of the partial reconstruction and renovation of, and the construction of additions, improvements, and upgrades to, various District buildings and facilities (and the sites thereof), to implement various health, safety, accessibility and code compliance measures and various other measures that are included and generally described in (but are not to be limited by) the Project Plan that was referred to in the public notice of the vote on this Proposition, and to expend therefore an amount not to exceed $35,350,000;
• the Board is hereby authorized to expend or apply toward the Project $5,000,000 from the District’s Capital Reserve Fund;
• a tax is hereby voted in an amount not to exceed $30,350,000 to finance the balance of the estimated maximum cost of the Project, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by the Board;
• in anticipation of such tax, obligations of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $30,350,000, and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on such obligations as the same shall become due and payable; and
• New York State Building Aid funds expected to be received by the District are anticipated to offset a substantial part of such costs, and such funds, to the extent received, shall be applied to offset and reduce the amount of taxes herein authorized to be levied.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the School District has reviewed the materials provided by King + King Architects relating to the Project and, based on those materials, has adopted a resolution making certain findings under State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) for purposes of comply with the provisions of SEQRA and issued a negative declaration under SEQR with respect to the Project.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee or military ballots will be obtainable between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, Monday through Friday, except holidays, from the District Clerk. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter when the applicant or the applicant’s agent appears in the District office to deliver the completed application. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. prevailing time on the day of the election. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2018-a of the Education Law, qualified voters who meet the criteria for “permanently disabled” and are so certified by the Herkimer County Board of Elections, will receive paper ballots by mail. A list of persons to whom absentee ballots are issued shall be made and filed in the District Clerk’s office and shall be available for public inspection during regular office hours until the day of the election. The District may require all persons offering to vote at any school district meeting or election for which registration is not required to provide one form of proof of residency pursuant to Education Law Section 2018-c. Such form may include a driver’s license, a non-driver identification card, a utility bill, or a voter registration card. Upon offer of proof of residency, the School District may also require all persons offering to vote to provide their signature, printed name, and address.

Superintendent Updates:

• Thank you for passing resolution for capital project
• Heather McCutcheon will be receiving an award at the NYSATA Conference on November 18
• All County was outstanding
• 4 students will be attending area All-State in Phoenix, NY
• 1 student will be attending Conference All-State in Rochester, NY
• Middle School Musical is this weekend
• Families were asked if they would like their donations back from Lego League

Administrative Presentation:

Ms. Vogt, Ms. Paragi, Mr. Abbe and Ms. Lindsay gave a presentation to the Board with their goals for the district.

CSE/CPSE Program/Placement Recommendations:

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, 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 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental filed dated 11/15/23)

Staffing Recommendations:

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Ms. Gilbert, the BOE approved the following personnel actions as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental filed dated 11/15/23)

Teaching Resignations:

Name: Petucci, Dina
Position: LTA
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: December 3, 2023

Name: Poland, Dinah
Position: Special Education Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: November 26, 2023

Name: Pulizzi, Jackson
Position: Science Teacher
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective Date: November 3, 2023

LTA Appointment:

Name: Condon, Amy
Position: LTA
Effective Date: December 4, 2023
Location: Elementary School
Salary: $25,500
(Probationary Period from December 4, 2023 – December 3, 2027)

Long-Term Substitute:

Name: Zilkowski, Leah
Position: 7th Grade Science
Effective Date November 14, 2023 – June 30, 2024*
Salary: Annual Payment Guidelines for Uncertified Long-Term Substitutes
*(Pending fingerprint clearance)

Non-Teaching Appointment:

Name: Frappier, Danielle
Position: Typist – 12 months*
Location: District Wide
Effective Date: December 4, 2023
Salary: $17.50/hour
*Pending fingerprint clearance; Provisional Appointment pending civil service test

Name: Petucci, Dina
Position: Typist – 12 months*
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective Date: December 4, 2023
Salary: $17.50/hour
*Provisional Appointment pending civil service test

CSE/CPSE Teacher Aide Appointment:

Name: Lethbridge, Maisry
Position: 1:1 aide at St. Francis de Sales
Effective Date: December 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Salary: $15.50/hour

Substitute Appointment:

Name: Lindsay, Olivia
Position: Substitute
Location: Jr/Sr High School
Effective Date: November 16, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Salary: Annual Payment Guidelines for Uncertified Substitutes

Mentor Appointment for 2023-2024 School Year:

Leah Zilkowski, Classroom Teacher (Mentee)
Kathryn Lister, Classroom Teacher (Mentor)

Salary per the HFA contract

Maternity Leave Request:

Name: Heuser, Madison
Position: Music Teacher
Effective: On/Before May 5, 2024
Anticipated leave approximately 6-12 weeks; pending physician’s release

Extra-Curricular Appointments:

Name: Alberts, Jessica
Appointment: Please Stand-Up Co-Advisor
Salary: $760

Name: Klink, Kayla
Appointment: Please Stand-Up Co-Advisor
Salary: $760

2023-2024 Fall Interscholastic Unpaid Coaching Appointment

Costello, Aaron Modified/Varsity Wrestling Assistant Coach*
Maxam, Roger Boys/Girls Volleyball Assistant Coach
Palmer, Jordan JV/Varsity Boys Basketball Assistant Coach
Richard, Ross Modified/Varsity Wrestling Assistant Coach*

*Pending coaching requirements

President’s Update:

President Crandall said he attended the Connected Community Schools Ribbon Cutting at the High School Auditorium. It is a great program for our students.

President Crandall was able to attend the pre-k decorating pumpkins and stated what a great opportunity it was.

Future Meeting Updates:

President Crandall reminded the BOE that the next regular scheduled meeting is for Wednesday, December 13 at the Herkimer High School Library. All the BOE members agreed that would be fine.

On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Fischer, 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. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.

Executive Session:

The Board moved into Executive Session at 8:15 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 9:15 p.m.

Adjournment:

On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, and seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 9:16 p.m. All voted in favor 7:0.

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Gina A. McKernan
District Clerk