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

• Pattie Day

• Valerie Day

Members Absent

• Matt Darrow – Personal Commitment

Staff Present

• Jeremy M. Rich, Supt.

• James Humphrey

• Amanda Klink

• McKayla Totten

• Jessica Bowman

• Christina Marrero

• Charlie Pratt

• Dominick Mauro

Guests Present  (those signing in)

• Avery Fike

AGENDA CHANGES

Mr. Sanchez noted the following agenda changes.

Consent Agenda

C.  Acceptance of Retirement Notices:

• Dorothy Knapik, Teacher Aide, Effective 6/30/23

F.(g) Instructional Appointments – Four-Year Probationary:

• Nicholas Cooke, Science Teacher 7-12, Effective 9/1/23

F.(l)  Substitute Appointments:

• Charles Marriott, Cleaner, Effective 5/25/23

New Business

I.     Acceptance of Donation

• First Presbyterian Church – Ilion, NY:

  320 Water Bottles with Jarvis Middle School Logo – Estimated Value: $443.00

PRESENTATIONS

Introduction of Tenure Candidates

• The Board and Mr. Rich welcomed the tenure candidates present this evening as they were introduced by the building principals/director.  Mr. Rich spoke to the significance of receiving tenure.  A brief reception followed which was provided by Chef Mauro.  The Board took formal action on the tenure appointments under the Consent Agenda portion of this evening’s meeting.

Presentation of the Bistro by Chef Mauro

• Dominick Mauro, Food Service Director, presented on the recent opening of the Bistro within the CVA cafeteria, and shared samples of available menu items.  Chef Mauro thanked the Board for being selected to his position and identified his goals for the school lunch program as well as current practices with food preparation, pricing, and student participation.  He also acknowledged the work of his department personnel. 

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE

At this time the District Clerk administered the Oath of Office to:

• Pattie Day, Newly Elected Board of Education Member, Eff. 5/17/23-6/30/24

CONFIRMATION OF NO CONFLICT

• Mrs. Pattie Day, newly elected Board of Education Member, completed a Conflict of Interest form which was submitted to the District Clerk.

(Completed files on file in District Clerk’s files.)

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Superintendent’s Report

• Mr. Rich reported that he has been providing weekly updates to the Board of Education Members.  He reported on the following:

• Update on Tech Honor Society Inductees.

• Update on Connected Community Schools – How Things are Going: Mr. Rich reported the program is doing what they had hoped for the District.

• Update on Mott Marathon – June 8, 2023 – Mental Wellness Day: Mr. Rich reported the events have been organized and there will be a guest speaker.

• Update on K-8 – 2024 Version: Mr. Rich reported that all will be the same version for Math SAVVAS and this also includes professional development.  He discussed efforts at maintaining next generation curriculum including math and special education.  Mrs. Wesolowski inquired if this will align with curriculum.  Mr. Rich reported that the information should match and align with progress, and all work done will not be lost.

• Update on Fisher Fire Drills: Mr. Rich indicated that Mrs. Bowman, Fisher Principal, and Mr. Garcia, BOCES Safety Office, realigned the drills for better flow.

• Update on Ride for Missing Children: Mr. Rich reported this will be held on June 2, 2023 from 10:40 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at Jarvis. 

• Update on Aide Video: Mr. Rich explained that Mrs. Sally McCann Kramas, Director of Human Resources, created a training video for Teacher Aides to access upon hire due to frequent hiring.

• Update on Electric Buses: Mrs. Valerie Day inquired if the state would lobby against this, and Mr. Rich acknowledged this and barriers to electric bussing in rural areas was discussed.  Mr. Humphrey also expressed concerns that the District would not be able to sustain the amperage service that would be needed for the busses. 

• Update on Top 10: Mr. Rich reported that the Top 10 parade occurred on Sunday, May 21st at 6:00 p.m.  He stated the parade went well, but there was an error with one of the addresses, and shared efforts at rectifying this.

• Update on Student Government Day – May 25: Mr. Rich reported efforts at infusing local government in education.  He discussed the dinner that occurred at the Elks, mock meeting, and shadowing community leaders.

• Mr. Rich also provided updates on the LPP Grant – Focus on Increasing Graduation Rates; Summer Curriculum Work Proposals – Collecting Ideas; Mentor Program in Partnership with Jarvis; Denali Group – Working with Students across grade levels. 

• Mr. Rich explained the new special education identification process via a Multi-Tiered System of Support.  He discussed the collaboration with the state for these purposes and making system changes while maintaining autonomy.  The Board was provided with the Athletic Report for their review, and Mr. Rich provided updates on competitions and programs running currently.

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

Administrative Reports

• The Board was provided with the Administrative Reports for their review.

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

Business Official’s Report

• Mr. Humphrey provided the Board with the Business Official’s report for their review.  He reported that he was pleased with the results of the budget vote.  He discussed the next steps for the Business Office and Payroll indicating this is their busiest time of year.  He discussed the complexities of payroll and how this impacts 12-month, non-union employees receiving a half check due to a cycle schedule that prevents overpay.  Mr. Humphrey discussed how this impacts payroll overall and who may be impacted by the schedule.

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

BOARD DISCUSSION

• Mr. Boucher inquired regarding the softball fields and discussion occurred regarding options for conditions and use of fields.  Barriers and benefits to each field were thoroughly discussed as well as options for use of fields at other buildings.  Options for maintenance and changes to fields were discussed prior to considering use of funds for new construction; Mr. Humphrey further stated that there was not room in the capital project.  Mr. Rich and Mr. Humphrey reviewed financial input to the fields and safety considerations for each space.  Mr. Rich expressed he would like to move forward with the Barringer field for use at the modified level.  Members of the Board offered and discussed various options for maximizing field use and maintenance.  Mr. Sanchez reported he would like to see continued use of fields in both Ilion and Mohawk.  He also stated he would like to utilize the space the District has and did not wish to invest money all in one area.  Mr. Rich indicated he would look into options discussed and provide follow-up.

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

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

• Regular Meeting – April 19, 2023

• Annual Budget Hearing – May 9, 2023

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

Approval of Tenure Appointments

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

• Jonathan Cole, Technology, Effective 9/1/23

• Amanda Klink, Social Worker, Effective 9/1/23

• Christina Marrero, Elementary, Effective 9/1/23

• Nadine Meyerriecks, Library Media Specialist, Effective 9/1/23

• Jeremy Kozak, K-12 Administrator, Effective 9/30/23

Acceptance of Retirement Notices

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

• Huguette Henzel, Teacher Assistant, Effective 6/30/23

• Sally Jasewicz, Food Service Helper, Effective 6/22/23

• Ronald Jowett, School Bus Driver, Effective 6/30/23

• Dorothy Knapik, Teacher Aide, Effective 6/30/23

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

Acceptance of Resignations

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

• Melissa Florian, Teacher Assistant, Effective 6/23/23

• JoEllen Schafer, Food Service Helper, Effective 6/21/23

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

Approval of Termination of Employment

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

• Athena Nestle, Teacher Aide, Effective 5/1/23

Approval of Personnel Appointments/Adjustments

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

Non-Instructional Appointments – Permanent:

• Lynne Martin, Teacher Aide, Effective 5/28/23

• Kelly Lowell, Account Clerk, Effective 6/5/23

• Colleen Gross, Account Clerk, Effective 6/6/23

Non-Instructional Appointment & Resignation:

• Allison Nogas, Appt: Teacher Aide, - 7 hrs/day COND, Effective 5/8/23

• Allison Nogas, Res: Teacher Aide – 7 hrs/day, Effective 5/10/23

Non-Instructional Appointment of Retiree:

• Ronald Jowett, Retired PT Bus Driver – 4 hrs/day, Effective 7/1/23

Administrative Transfer of Position from Ten-Month to Twelve-Month:

• Luke Manolescu, Assistant Principal – 12 Mth, Effective 7/1/23

Administrative Appointment – Four Year Probationary:

• Genevieve Campanella, Assistant Principal – 12 Mth, Effective 7/1/23

Instructional Appointments – Three-Year Probationary:

• Julie Ball, Special Education Teacher, Effective 9/1/23

• Aimee Cotto, Spanish Teacher, Effective 9/1/23

Instructional Appointments – Four-Year Probationary:

• Michael Barse, Social Studies Teacher, Effective 9/1/23

• Nicholas Cooke, Science Teacher 7-12, Effective 9/1/23

Increase in Food Service Helper Hours:

• Eunice Cotto, From 5 hrs/day to 5.75 hrs/day, Effective 5/30/23

Increase in Teacher Aide Hours:

• Danielle Gray, From 6.25 hrs/day to 7 hrs/day, Eff. Retro. 4/18/23

Substitute Appointments for April 2023 – BOCES Sub Service:

• Rebecca Ferguson

• Sianna Kenyon

• Rachael Pollak

Substitute Appointments for May 2023 – BOCES Sub Service:

• Gianna DeSarro

• Karlee Dunn

• Janeice Gaspard

• Vanessa Gee

• Sharon Kanfoush-Berkhoudt

• Sophia LoRe

• Mark Lovato

• Kara Reinhardt

Substitute Appointments:

• JoAnn Duga, CSE Services – Clerical, Effective 5/1/23

• Charles Marriott, Cleaner, Effective 5/25/23

• Mary Jane Sterling, Food Service Helper – 5 hrs/day, Effective 5/30/23

Approval of Financial Reports 

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

• Financial Reports – March 2023

• Cash Account Summary – March 2023

• Internal Claims Auditors Log Summaries – March 2023

• Extracurricular Summary Report – March 2023

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

OLD BUSINESS

Approval of Municipal Cooperation Agreement – 2023 Amendment

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following Municipal Cooperation Agreement – 2023 Amendment.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Herkimer BOCES Health Insurance Consortium

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

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 Mrs. Valerie Day, the Board approved the CSE/CPSE/504 Accommodation Plan Meetings.  Motion carried 6-0.

• April 3, 2023

• April 4, 2023

• April 5, 2023

• April 6, 2023

• April 17, 2023

• April 18, 2023

• April 19, 2023

• April 21, 2023

• April 24, 2023

• April 25, 2023

• April 26, 2023

• April 27, 2023

• April 28, 2023

• May 1, 2023

• May 2, 2023

• May 3, 2023

• May 4, 2023

• May 5, 2023

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

Approval of Resolution to Reappoint and Extend Employment Agreement

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Valerie Day, the Board approved a resolution to reappoint and extend the employment agreement of the Superintendent of Schools as follows.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Jeremy M. Rich, Superintendent of Schools, Effective 5/24/23 through 6/30/27

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

Acceptance of Budget Vote/Board Election Results

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board accepted the results of the Budget Vote/Board Election on May 16, 2023.  Mr. Boucher inquired regarding the results and whether certain information regarding write-ins had to be included.  Mrs. Pattie Day inquired if she should abstain, and Mr. Rich provided guidance regarding voting ability.  Motion carried 6-0.

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

Approval of Memorandum of Agreement with CVTA – Teachers on Special Assignment

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Valerie Day, the Board approved a Memorandum of Agreement with CVTA for the following Teacher on Special Assignment.  Board Members inquired regarding progress in athletics, audit processes, and upcoming projects including the scoreboard.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Garrett Olds, TOSA – Sports & Eligibility Coordinator, Effective 7/1/23-6/30/24

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

Approval of Non-Public School Transportation Requests – 2022-2023

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following non-public school transportation requests for the 2023-2024 school year.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Mohawk Valley Christian Academy, Neff (Elizabeth)

• Utica Academy of Science, McAllister (DeLaney & Ehvee)

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

Approval of Resolution to Increase Reserve Sub-Fund

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Valerie Day, the Board approved a resolution to increase to the reserve sub-fund.  Motion carried 6-0.

• (TRS) District Retirement Contribution Reserve Sub-Fund - $200K

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

Approval of Special Education Agreement

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

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

Approval of Non-Union Salaries – 2023-2024

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Valerie Day, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved salaries for the 2023-2024 school year for the following non-union employees.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Nicki Bailey, Account Clerk (Payroll)

• Alaine Canestrari, Assistant Superintendent

• John Darrow, Assistant Transportation Supervisor

• Chad Francisco, Transportation Supervisor

• Stacey Griffith, Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent/District Clerk

• Colleen Gross, Confidential Business Office Account Clerk

• James Humphrey, School Business Administrator

• Kelly Lowell, Confidential Business Office Account Clerk

• Dominick Mauro, School Food Service Director I

• Sally McCann-Kramas, Director of Human Resources

• Gordon Miller, Director of Facilities II

• Tammy Morgan, Confidential Office Assistant II

• Cuyle Rockwell, Public Information Specialist

• Lisa Van Winkler, District Treasurer

• Jeremy Rich, Superintendent of Schools

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

Acceptance of Donation

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board accepted the following donations.  Board Members inquired what the paint would be used for and Mr. Rich indicated the goal of making the building more primary looking.  Motion carried 6-0.

• True Value Paint Grant Recipient – Fisher Elementary

  • $750 Painting Supplies & 105 Gallons of Paint

• First Presbyterian Church – Ilion, NY

  • 320 Water Bottles with Jarvis Middle School Logo – Estimated Value: $443.00

(Copy of information 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 Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved to dispose of the following surplus goods.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Jarvis Library Discards – Per Inventory List Dated 11/1/22 to 5/15/23

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

Approval of Overnight Field Trip Request

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. Valerie Day, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board approved the following overnight field trip request.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Chamber Choir – National Choir Festival at Carnegie Hall

  • April 12, 2024 – April 14, 2024 – Dates subject to change

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

Approval of Resolution for SEQR Opinion on 2023-2024 Capital Outlay Project

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved a resolution for the SEQR Opinion on the 2023-2024 Capital Outlay Project.  Mr. Costin inquired if this was an upgrade for athletics, and Mr. Rich explained this was for security cameras, and discussed payment.  Mr. Costin inquired if these cameras could identify license plates.  Motion carried 6-0.

• Camera System Upgrade - $100K

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

Approval of Multi-Year Request for Telecommunications Broadband Service Resolutions – Mohawk Regional Information Center (MORIC)

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved a resolution for Multi-Year Request for Telecommunications Broadband Service with MORIC.  Mr. Costin inquired if this service was aided, which Mr. Humphrey confirmed and discussed the upgraded contracts for CVA the previous year.  Motion carried 6-0.

• July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026:

  • Fisher Elementary School

  • Jarvis Middle School

  • Barringer Road Elementary School

• July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028

  • Bus Garage

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

NEXT MEETING:, Wednesday, June 21, 2023 – Regular Meeting.  Mr. Sanchez discussed upcoming events such as the senior awards on June 12, 2023.  Mr. Sanchez also discussed the upcoming parade of graduates, and reported that the Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Adirondack Bank Center on June 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.  Mr. Sanchez asked Board Members to inform Mr. Keeler if they would like to attend and hand out diplomas.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mrs. Wesolowski, seconded by Mrs. Valerie Day, the Board adjourned their regular meeting at 9:03 p.m.  Motion carried 6-0.

Stacey Griffith, District Clerk