Oct. 18, 2023 minutes - Herkimer Central School District

Date: October 18, 2023

Kind of Meeting: Regular

Place: Herkimer Elementary School District Cafetorium

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

President Crandall called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.

President Crandall welcomed members in the audience and staff members to this evening’s meeting. President Crandall explained the BOE welcomes public comment and community input at 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 of Schools prior to a BOE meeting.

Public Comment:

Senior Jayden Crandall spoke to the BOE about decorations for homecoming, concession stands, winter weekend and holiday box distribution.

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:

Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education regular meeting minutes from Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Motion carried 7:0:1. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

Curriculum Council Summer Project Presentation:

Several Elementary school teachers as well as Ryan Orilio (IT Department) spoke and presented materials about upcoming events and what they have been doing with 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. Gilbert seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE accepts receipt of the September Treasurer’s Report, September General Warrant totaling $2,593,709.66, September Exception Report, September HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Treasurer’s Report, Budget Transfer under the $5,000 total, District Audit Financial Statement, and Extra-Classroom Audit Corrective Action Plan. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

Business Updates:

Business Manger Chad Hess stated that funding for UPK has been approved and Title I over $500,000 verbally was approved.

Fire Safety Inspection:

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

“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the annual inspection for the 2023-2024 school year of the Bus Maintenance Facility, Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School, Herkimer Elementary School, Concession/Toilets/Press Box/Storage buildings of the Herkimer Central School District for the fire hazards, which might endanger the lives of the students, teachers and employees therein, has been completed and the report there of is available at the office of the Herkimer Central School District at 801 W. German Street, Herkimer, NY 13350 for inspection of all interested persons.”

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

Donation to School:

Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded 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 $7,000 to the Herkimer Elementary School from The Vermont Agency Foundation.

All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-23)

Disposal of Surplus Items:

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

“WHEREAS the Herkimer CSD owns the items listed in Part C (Disposal) which are no longer useful or necessary for the school district’s purpose and are of no value to the Herkimer CSD, as indicated in Mr. McKernan’s Fixed Asset Inventory Control Forms, 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.”