The Board of Education’s regular meeting was called to order by President Jason Sanchez at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Office Conference Room.

A motion was made by Mr. Darrow and seconded by Mrs. North to go into Executive Session at 6:01 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, as well as collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law. Motion carried 6-0.

The Board was called out of Executive Session at 7:10 pm by President Sanchez. The public portion of the regular meeting was called to order by President Sanchez at 7:12 p.m. in the LGI. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all those present.

Members Present

• Jason Sanchez

• Maggie Wesolowski

• Jonathan Boucher

• Travis Costin

• Matt Darrow

• Jonah Levi (arrived 7:38 pm due to a work conflict)

• Jane North

Members Absent

• None

Staff Present

• Jeremy M. Rich, Supt.

• Jim Humphrey

• Kenneth Long

Guests Present (those signing in)

• None

AGENDA CHANGES

Consent Agenda

D(e) - Substitute Building Cleaners - Change Start Dates as follows:

• Nazha Derkaoui - Effective 12/13/21

• Andrew LeClair - Effective 12/13/21

• Pedro Perez - Effective 12/15/21

PRESENTATIONS

Movement, Strength, and Fitness, LLC

• Justin Hoffman and Liz Hoffman updated the Board on the recent fitness program they have rolled out at CVA, for which the Board contracted their services. The Hoffman’s explained their philosophy regarding their classes running concurrently with some varsity sport practices. They wish to avoid any conflicts with coaches and will do their best to make that relationship a good one. They have met all students in grades 9-12 and noted the average daily attendance has been about 40 students. They recently conducted a survey of students and found that 25% of respondents reported lower stress levels since joining the program. There are plans to extend this program to solidify conditioning for athletes, especially those competing in fall sports.

• Mr. Rich explained that we would like to start a similar program at Jarvis Middle School. To that end, the Hoffman’s are in the process of meeting all seventh and eighth grade students.

• Mr. Rich stated he wants this program to succeed and grow and will likely fund some summer programs with ARP grant money, which is included in the intents of that grant. Mr. Costin said it would be nice if we could track usage as the program continues to grow.

Capital Project Goals - King & King Architects

• Phil Squadrito of King & King Architects presented a possible plan of capital projects over a number of years for the Board to consider. The first group of items for consideration could be part of a project for 2022-2024, (at this point in the meeting, Mr. Levi arrived). Mr. Rich asked the Board to add any items they felt were needed and they could also be considered. Mr. Humphrey offered that many of the items on the list could (and should) be cost engineered to save money while having little effect on the work.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Superintendent’s Report

• Update on Grant – Mr. Rich explained how the grant is intended to work.

• Update on First Quarter – Mr. Rich spoke of 1st quarter behavioral issues being on the increase, likely the result of the Pandemic and all its restrictions.

• Update on After-School – Mr. Rich informed the Board that this program has begun. The kids have shown a positive attitude towards the program but we need greater participation from students.

• Update on Half-Day Plans - 12/15/21 – Mr. Rich thought the day went well and will consider doing something similar in March and/or May, after first consulting with the Board and other Herkimer BOCES component districts.

• Update on Winter Sports – Mr. Rich mentioned there are few issues with masking among spectators and when there were, they were handled without much fanfare.

• Update on Village Parking Changes - Fisher Elementary – Mr. Rich let the Board know of the new parking regulations being implemented by the Village of Mohawk.

• Mr. Rich also pointed the student art work on display in the LGI. He also spoke of the great meal that the Dominick Mauro, School Lunch Manager, provided today and how happy Dominick is to be a part of CVCSD. Finally Mr. Rich commended the entire community for their “can do” attitude regarding our less than desirable bussing situation on 12/14 and wanted everyone to know how awesome they all were.

Administrative Reports

The Board received copies of the Administrative Report as submitted by the building principals and Mrs. Carney.

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

Business Official’s Report

• Mr. Humphrey noted that the Board had received all materials from him and asked if there were any questions. There were none. Mr. Humphrey explained the 2022-2023 budget timeline and noted that in response to a few complaints last year, our budget newsletter would be mailed earlier than in past years in order to give residents more time to study the proposed spending plan.

• Mr. Humphrey also noted that salaries alone would start some $3 million higher than the current year’s amount, due to federal and state funding meant to add staff to close the gap in the amount of learning lost in 2020-2021 due to the pandemic.

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

BOARD DISCUSSION

• Mrs. Wesolowski mentioned that she was asked about the Foundation contributing to the expansion of the Movement, Strength and Fitness program for Jarvis MS. Mr. Rich informed her that while the staff member making that inquiry was well intended, the plan to roll the program out at Jarvis would be for three years and too much for the Foundation to handle. He also said that ARP grant money would be used for this item.

• Mrs. North lamented that the loss of the Ilion village pool took away the synchronized swim program in the summers, in which 100’s of girls participated. She suggested that perhaps a similar program could replace that one.

• Mrs. Wesolowski asked about eventually involving both primary schools in the Movement, Strength and Fitness program.

• Mr. Darrow asked if 7th and 8th graders could come to the CVA fitness center to participate in the Movement, Strength and Fitness program. Mr. Rich hoped that would not be necessary as there are several issues having those ages lifting weights with older students.

• Mrs. North thanked Mr. Rich for thinking outside the box.

• Mr. Boucher asked about the number of pre-quarantines we have had. Mr. Rich informed all that most were at the elementary schools, likely due to the lack of an available vaccine for that age group.

PUBLIC OPEN FORUM

• There were no members of the public present, and thus no public comment.

ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION

Due to a conflict of interest, Mr. Darrow requested the removal of Item D. b. (Non-instructional Appointments – Six-Month Probationary), be removed from the consent agenda for individual consideration.

Non-Instructional Appointments - Six-Month Probationary:

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. In favor: Mr. Sanchez, Mrs. Wesolowski, Mr. Boucher, Mr. Costin, Mr. Levi, Mrs. North. Opposed: None. Abstained: Mr. Darrow.

• John Darrow, Assistant Transportation Supervisor, Effective 1/3/22

• Danielle Gray, Teacher Aide - 6.5 hrs/day, Effective 12/13/21

• KariSue LaPoint, Teacher Aide - 6.5 hrs/day, Effective 12/14/21

• Christine Zaccaria, Teacher Aide - 7 hrs/day, Effective 12/8/21

• Melissa Pohleven, Teacher Aide - 7 hrs/day, Conditional, Effective 12/20/21

CONSENT AGENDA

Approval of Minutes

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved the minutes of the following meeting. Motion carried 7-0.

• Regular Meeting – November 17, 2021

Acceptance of Resignations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board accepted the following resignations. Motion carried 7-0.

• Selma Lupardo, Teacher Aide, Effective 11/22/21

• Madisen Ritton, Teacher Aide, Effective Immediately

• Cheryl Hicks, Extracurricular - Breakfast Monitor, Effective 12/17/21

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

Approval of Correction from Probationary to Provisional Appointment

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved the following correction to the original appointment of an employee. Motion carried 7-0.

• Kelly Vitullo, Physical Therapist – Provisional, Effective 9/1/21

Approval of Personnel Appointments/Adjustments

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved the following personnel appointments/adjustments. Motion carried 7-0.

Non-Instructional Appointment - Permanent:

• Spencer Raymo, Bus Driver/Cleaner, Effective 1/1/22

Extracurricular Appointment - 2021-2022:

• Robert Watson, Boys Intramurals - ES - Barringer

• Volunteer Coaching Appointment - Winter 2021-2022:

• Michael Barse, Volunteer Wrestling Coach

Substitute Appointments:

• Nazha Derkaoui, Substitute Building Cleaner, Effective 12/13/21

• Andrew LeClair, Substitute Building Cleaner, Effective 12/13/21

• Pedro Perez, Substitute Building Cleaner, Effective 12/15/21

Substitute Appointments - BOCES Sub Service:

• Claire Connolly

• Sarah Eastwood

• Tom Germann

• Hannah Gilbert

• Meghan Mosher

• Kelsey Reid

• Gabriel Tinervia

Approval of Financial Reports

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Costin, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved the following financial reports. Motion carried 7-0.

• Financial Reports - November 2021

• Cash Account Summary – November 2021

• Internal Claims Auditors Log Summaries - November 2021

• Extracurricular Summary Report - November 2021

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

OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business discussed this evening.

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 Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mrs. North, the Board approved the following CSE/CPSE/504 Accommodation Plan Meetings. Motion carried 7-0.

• November 1, 2021

• November 2, 2021

• November 3, 2021

• November 10, 2021

• November 12, 2021

• November 17, 2021

• November 19, 2021

• November 23, 2021

• November 29, 2021

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

Approval of Change in 2021-2022 School Year Calendar

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved the following change in the 2021-2022 school year calendar. Motion carried 7-0.

• December 15, 2021 -- Change to Half Day for Students for Emergency Go Home Drill

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

Approval of Adjustments to 2021-2022 Substitute Rates Due to New Minimum Wage

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board approved the following adjustments to the 2021-2022 substitute rates due to an increase in minimum wage, effective January 1, 2022. Motion carried 7-0.

• Increases effective Jan. 1, 2022

  • Retired Teacher: from current rate of $100.00/day to $110.00/day

  • Certified Teacher: from current rate of $92.50/day to $97.40/day

  • Uncertified Teacher: from current rate of $87.50/day to $92.40/day

  • Certified Teaching Assistant: from current rate of $92.50/ to $97.40/day

  • Uncertified Teaching Assistant: from current rate of $87.50/day to $92.40/day

  • Teacher Aide : from current rate of $12.50/hour to $13.20/hour

  • Registered Nurse: from current rate of $100.00/day to $110.00/day

  • Licensed Practical Nurse: from current rate of $87.50/day to $97.40/day

These rates are due to an increase from $12.50/hour to $13.20/hour.

• Seven (7) hour work day = $92.40 minimum wage day rate

Approval of Addendum to Employment Contracts to Oversee Federal/State Grants

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mrs. North, seconded by Mrs. Wesolowski, the Board approved addendums to specific non-union employment contracts to oversee Federal/State Grants. Motion carried 7-0.

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

Acceptance of Donations

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mrs. Levi, the Board accepted the following donations. Motion carried 7-0.

• Mohawk Valley Apparel, Miscellaneous Apparel, Est. Value $3,780.00

• Richfield American Legion , NNDCC Program Equipment, Est. Value $2,864.50

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

Adoption of 2022-2023 Budget Timeline

Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Jeremy M. Rich, on a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Costin, the Board adopted the Budget Timeline for 2022-2023.

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

NEXT MEETING

The Board will hold its next regular meeting on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Mr. Darrow, seconded by Mr. Levi, the Board adjourned their regular meeting at 8:46 p.m. Motion carried 7-0.

Kenneth Long, Acting Clerk
Minutes taken by Kenneth Long, Acting Clerk, in absence of District Clerk.