The Board of Education’s regular meeting was called to order by President Jason Sanchez at 7:00 p.m. in the LGI at CVA.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all those present. 

Members Present

• Jason Sanchez, Pres.

• Maggie Wesolowski, V. Pres.

• Jonathan Boucher

• Travis Costin

• Matt Darrow

• Valerie Day

Members Absent

• None

Staff Present 

• Jeremy M. Rich, Supt.

• James Humphrey

• Alaine Canestrari

• Charlie Pratt

• Richard Keeler

• Cuyle Rockwell

• Kelley Macisco

• Jessica Spatto

• Lori Edick

• Danielle Hess

Guests Present  (those signing in)

• Greg Riddle – Kiwanis

• Janna Edick

• Tyler Edick

• Carson Edick

• Anastasia Spatto

• Adam Spatto

• Austin Tubia

• Jeremiah Tubia

• Hartley Edick

 AGENDA CHANGES

Mr. Sanchez noted the following agenda changes.

Presentation – Kiwanis Student of the Month Recognition

Superintendent’s Report – Update on Vacant BOE Seat

Consent Agenda

B.  Resignations:

• Taylor Heitmann, Occupational Therapist – R, Effective 4/14/23

• Courtney Johnston, Special Education Teacher, Effective 4/16/23

D. (b) Six-Month Probationary Appointment:

• Jacqueline Morehouse, Food Service Helper, Effective 3/27/23

D. (d) Coaching Appointment 22-23:

• Boys Modified Baseball – Anthony Bonvino

D. (f) Substitute Appointments – BOCES Sub Service

PRESENTATION

Kiwanis Student of the Month Recognition

• Mr. Rich introduced Mr. Greg Riddle, President of Mohawk Valley Central Kiwanis.  Mr. Riddle provided information regarding the history of Kiwanis and recognition being provided to students.  Mr. Riddle congratulated the student recipients and thanked the Board of Education.  Mr. Keeler and Mr. Pratt presented awards to senior, Austin Tubia, eighth grader, Anastasia Spatto, and fifth grader, Hartley Edick.   Mr. Keeler and Mr. Pratt shared attributes of each student that qualified them for this recognition.  Following the presentations, Mr. Rich congratulated the students referring to them as role models and shared information regarding the process. 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Superintendent’s Report

Mr. Rich provided an update on the following:

• Mr. Rich congratulated the accomplishments of the winter sports teams and shared that further details could be found in the Athletic Report.

• Mr. Rich congratulated the participants of the Musical indicating this was his favorite play he has seen and participants did a nice job.

• BOCES Board Nomination:  Mr. Rich provided a reminder that the ballot would be available next month.

• BOCES Annual Meeting:  Mr. Rich reported that he and Mr. Costin would be in attendance at the annual meeting on March 30, 2023 at 6:00 P.M.  Mr. Rich also discussed the SBI Showcase on March 16, 2023. 

• Report Back on NYSCOSS Conference:  Mr. Rich discussed his participation in NYSCOSS along with Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Alaine Canestrari, stating the conference went well and he would continue to attend as professional development.

• Update on Vacant BOE Seat:  Mr. Rich discussed the goal and obligation to fill the current vacant Board seat.  He discussed the options that were received through attorneys regarding this matter.  He reported that with six current Board members, if there was a split vote, the item would not pass.  Mr. Rich explained that the vacant seats follow at-large voting procedures, meaning whichever candidate gets the lowest amount of votes would be elected to the one-year term with highest votes being elected to the three-year terms.

• Athletic Report:  Mr. Rich discussed moving forward with the scoreboard for fall.  Board members and Mr. Rich discussed ways to captivate audiences with more student involvement projected on the scoreboard.

• Facilities Report:  Mr. Gordon Miller provided the Board with a quarterly Facilities Report for their review.

(Copy of information on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Administrative Reports

• Administrative Reports were provided to the Board by the building administrators.

(Copy of reports on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Business Official’s Report

• Mr. Humphrey reviewed the February financials as well as capital projects and budget preparation.  Mr. Humphrey discussed components of the budget as well as aspects that are aidable.   Mr. Humphrey also discussed BOCES projects that impact the District’s budget including its expansion to West German Street in Herkimer. Mr. Humphrey explained how funds would be allocated to this project. The designing of the budget informational pamphlet was discussed.  Mr. Sanchez requested further explanation of the Bond Resolutions for this meeting, which Mr. Humphrey provided.  Mr. Humphrey discussed the cost of programs, impact on budget, and flow of funds.

(Copy of reports on file in District Clerk’s files.)

BOARD DISCUSSION

• During Board Discussion, Mrs. Wesolowski inquired regarding an update on the school website.  Mr. Rich reported the District was moving forward with Parent Square, indicating plans for it to serve as the hub for information.  Mr. Rich discussed efforts that have taken place in comparing of other District’s websites.

• Mr. Costin inquired regarding Board Petition Candidates and information was provided.

• Mr. Darrow inquired regarding the status of purchasing new sports cameras through a different company.

• Mr. Rich discussed efforts at recruiting an Athletic Trainer and options for utilizing the individual in different areas.  Mr. Rich shared that the District has not found anyone yet, and Board members discussed options for sourcing a qualified candidate. 

• Board Discussion occurred regarding the school calendar and timeframes of April break.  Mr. Rich also explained that the District is currently out of snow days and the use of virtual days, if needed, was discussed as well as communication with teachers regarding this.

 PUBLIC OPEN FORUM

There was no public participation this evening.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION

There were no items removed from the consent agenda for individual consideration.

CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of Minutes

• Regular Meeting – February 15, 2023

(Copy of minutes on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Acceptance of Resignations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following resignations.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Kayla Price, Teacher Aide, Effective 2/3/23

• Taylor Heitmann, Occupational Therapist – R, Effective 4/14/23

• Courtney Johnston, Special Education Teacher, Effective 4/16/23

(Copy of resignations on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Unpaid Leave of Absence Request

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following unpaid leave of absence request.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Caitlin Keeler, , School Nurse, Eff. 3/17/23-6/23/23

(Copy of request on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Personnel Appointments/Adjustments

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following personnel appointments/adjustments.  Motion carried 6-0.

Non-Instructional Appointments – Permanent:

• Stacey Griffith, Conf. Secretary to Supt/District Clerk, Effective 4/3/23

• Michele Austin, Teacher Aide, Effective 4/17/23

• Gabriella Bouck, Teacher Aide, Effective 4/17/23,

Non-Instructional Appointments - Six-Month Probationary:

• Jacqueline Morehouse, Food Service Helper, Effective 3/27/23

Instructional Appointments – Four-Year Probationary:

• Chase Steenburg, Special Education Teacher, Effective 2/18/23

Coaching Appointments – 2022-2023:

• Boys Varsity Baseball, Eric Moreau

• Boys JV Baseball, Tim Blaise

• Boys Modified Baseball, Anthony Bonvino

• Girls Varsity Softball, Daniel Welch

• Girls JV Softball, Cheryl LaVenture

• Girls Modified Softball, Jennifer DeRocco

• Boys Varsity Track, Tim Lawrence

• Boys Varsity Track Asst., Chris French

• Boys Modified Track, Jon Cole

• Girls Varsity Track, Tara VanCauwenberge

• Girls Varsity Track Asst., Charles Maxson

• Girls Modified Track, William Holland

• Boys Varsity Tennis, Chase Steenburg

• Boys Varsity Golf, Ron Kuty

• Girls Varsity Golf, Carrie Jones

Volunteer Coaching Appointments – 2022-2023:

• Todd Hoffman, Volunteer Assistant Girls Varsity Softball Coach

• Paul Lynch, Volunteer Assistant Girls Varsity Softball Coach

• Joseph Rando, Volunteer Girls JV Softball Coach

Substitute Appointments – BOCES Sub Service:

• Jacob Bunce

• Shontashia Giles

• Morgan Grescheck

• Meagan Gros

• Kevin Horan

• Jacob Smithling

Approval of Financial Reports 

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following financial reports.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Financial Reports – February 2023

• Cash Account Summary – February 2023

• Internal Claims Auditors Log Summaries – February 2023

• Extracurricular Summary Report – February 2023

(Copy of reports on file in District Clerk’s files.)

OLD BUSINESS

Approval of Revision to Permanent Appointment Date

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board approved the following revision to permanent appointment date.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Caitlynn Riesel, Teacher Aide, Effective 3/16/23

NEW BUSINESS

Approval of Arrangement of Services – CSE/CPSE/504 Accommodation Plan Meetings

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board approved the following arrangement of the following CSE/CPSE/504 Accommodation Plan meetings.  Motion carried 6-0.

• January 30, 2023             

• January 31, 2023             

• February 1, 2023      

• February 3, 2023

• February 6, 2023

• February 8, 2023

• February 9, 2023        

• February 10, 2023

• February 13, 2023

• February 14, 2023

• February 15, 2023

• February 16, 2023

• February 17, 2023

(Copy of minutes on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Acceptance of Resignation

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following resignation.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Jonah Levi, Board of Education Member, Effective 2/15/23

(Copy of resignation on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval to Appoint Impartial Hearing Officer

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved to appoint an Impartial Hearing Officer.  Mr. Darrow inquired what this was regarding, and Mr. Rich explained the need for an Impartial Hearing Officer for processes related to a Due Process Complaint.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Randy Glasser, Esq

(Copy of appointment on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval to Adopt Bond Resolution – Capital Improvements Project

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Day, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following bond resolution for the Capital Improvements Project.  Motion carried 6-0.

(Copy of resolution on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval to Adopt Bond Resolution – Herkimer BOCES Project

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following bond resolution for the Herkimer BOCES Project.  Motion carried 6-0.

(Copy of the resolution on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Resolution Authorizing Participation in Oswego County BOCES’ Cooperative Purchasing Program

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following resolution.  Board members inquired regarding the purpose and benefit of this approval.  Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Rich provided explanation regarding supplies available and pricing/purchasing benefits.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Term: July 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

(Copy of resolution on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of 2023-2024 School Year Calendar

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved the following 2023-2024 school calendar.  Discussion occurred regarding break weeks and changes that occurred related to this.  Motion carried 6-0.

(Copy of calendar on file in District Clerk’s files.)

Approval of Disposal of Surplus Goods

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mr. Darrow, the Board approved the following disposal of surplus goods.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Miscellaneous Books & Equipment - Per Fisher Elementary Inventory List as of 2/24/23

(Copy of lists on file in District Clerk’s files.)

NEXT MEETING:, Wednesday, April 19, 2023 – Regular Meeting

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Upon the recommendation of President Jason Sanchez, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mrs. Day, the Board moved to go into Executive Session at approximately 8:13 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the medical, financial, credit, or employment history of any particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of any particular person or corporation.  Motion carried 6-0. 

It was announced that no further Board action was expected to occur.  Those present for Executive Session were Jason Sanchez, Maggie Wesolowski, Jonathan Boucher, Travis Costin, Matt Darrow, and Valerie Day. 

The Board was called out of their Executive Session at 8:56 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board adjourned their regular meeting at 8:57 p.m.  Motion carried 6-0.

Stacey Griffith, District Clerk