The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School Media Center by President Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
President Crandall explained the BOE welcomes public comment and community input at meetings. However, we caution 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
Mr. Nick Saunders addressed the Board of Education and inquired about starting a ski club and transporting the group to Woods Valley on Thursday nights during the winter months. A discussion followed. No further public comments were made.
Approval of the Agenda
Ms. Gilbert moved and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Board Communication
Superintendent Miller indicated that the Board received several informational items that were not included in their Board packet for information only and noted they will be referred to later in the meeting. Ms. Gilbert moved and Ms. Bray seconded a motion to place all appropriate Board Communications on file with the District Clerk. All voted in favor; motion carried 6:0.
Approval of the Minutes
Ms. Bray moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to formally approve the Regular Board of Education Meeting minutes and Ms. Gilbert moved and Mr. Lewis seconded a motion to formally approve the Audit Committee Meeting minutes from Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Mr. Petucci abstained since he was absent from last month’s meeting; motion carried 5:0:1
School Physician Update
Dr. Amy Grace gave a brief overview of Covid-19 and spoke of the latest spike in numbers of positive cases. Dr. Grace stated that the news regarding the vaccine is promising. A discussion followed.
Curriculum Council Presentation
The presentations were available on a slideshow. All Board of Education members were appreciative of the work and dedication that was put in to the projects, but wished it could be in person.
Business Report
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci seconded by Mr. Lewis, the BOE accepts receipt of the September Treasurer’s Report, October Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, General Warrant totaling $1,026,388.47, Capital Warrant totaling $660,280.43, Federal Warrant totaling $6,685.11, Trust and Agency Warrant totaling $662,775.71, the October Exceptions Report, HES/HHS Extra Curricular Treasurer’s Report , Reserve Fund Report and Analysis, and two Budget Transfers under the $5,000 total. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-18-2020]
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Mr. Lewis the BOE approved two budget transfers over the $5,000 limit totaling $74,000. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-18-2020]
NYSMEC Gas and Electric Resolution
NYSMEC Gas and Electric Resolution
Ms. Bray moved and Ms. Gilbert 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 11-18-2020]
Return of Unpaid Taxes
Mr. Petucci moved and Mr. Lewis seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT 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 12th day of August 2020, and which return is dated and made on the 12th day of November 2020.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-18- 2020]
Simply Special Learning Center Resolution
Mr. Petucci moved and Mr. Lewis 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 2020-2021 school year for·one (1) student in the Home Instruction Program.
WHEREAS, it is the Districts desire to enter into this agreement for the 2020-2021 school year; per terms and conditions of the agreement.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-18- 2020]
Standard Work Day Resolution
Ms. Gilbert moved and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, the· Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby approves the Standard Work Day as per attached revised NYS Local Retirement System Standard Work Day form RS 2418 for the 2020-2021 school year, based upon information provided to the BOE and placed on file as follows (See Standard Work Day form.).”
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. [Material filed in the supplemental file dated 11-18- 2020)
Annual Fire Inspection Report
Mr. Lewis moved and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board resolution:
“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the annual inspection for the 2020-2021 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 11-18- 2020]
Superintendent Report
Fall sports season concluded successfully on November 9, 2020. Low risk winter sports have been scheduled to begin January 4 in section III and high risk sports have been delayed until at least January 4. For us this means at this time bowling may begin on January 4 with all other sports delayed until after January 4.
Budget projections have been distributed to the board and we are showing the use of about $1,100,000 in fund balance with a projected 20% aid reduction. The alternative would be to make cuts to reduce the use of fund balance. We have no confirmation as of yet as to the amount of state aid the district will receive.
We continue to hone our remote programming K- 12 in preparation for any short or long term shut downs. The district will make every effort to remain open but DOH or the state may force closure either through direct orders or through surveillance testing which the district cannot attain.
I want to thank the curriculum counsel for the excellent presentations. Moving to a virtual platform was an added step this year. The presentations were appreciated by the Board of Education.
Administrative Reports
Mr. Abbe spoke about measures being taken to increase attendance with remote learning. He commented on how well our virtual learning day went and how excited the students were to see all of their classmates. Ms. Tomaso also reported that the virtual learning day was a success at the high school level, as well as the virtual Academic H ceremony. Ms. Vogt spoke of a positive virtual learning day at the elementary level with some minor technical difficulties and of a large amount of new students so far this year.
Staffing Recommendations
Upon the recommendation from Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Ms. Gilbert, the BOE approved the following personnel actions; motion carried 7:0:
Substitute Appointments
Name: Huddleston, Marie (Mary Lou)
Position: Substitute Teacher @ St. Francis de Sales
Effective Date: November 18, 2020 – June 30, 2021
Salary: Per the Annual Guidelines for Certified Substitute Teacher
Name: Kosina, Jean
Position: Substitute Teacher @ St. Francis de Sales
Effective November 18, 2020 – June 30, 2021
Salary: Per the Annual Guidelines for Certified Substitute Teacher
CSE/CPSE Program/Placement Recommendation
Upon recommendation from Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Mr. Petucci, seconded by Ms. Fischer the BOE approved the Committee on Special Education, the SubCommittee 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 file dated 11-18-2020]
Board of Education Reports
Policy Review
Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Bray seconded a motion to formally adopt policy #5304 (Information Security Breach) and policy #5306 (Protection of Student, Teacher and Principal Personal Information).
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 10-18-20)
President’s Update
President Crandall expressed his gratitude to everyone in the district for all that they are doing to keep our students in school and thanked the Curriculum Council for the wonderful presentations.
Future Meeting Dates/Agenda Items
The next scheduled BOE meeting will be on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 6 p.m. in the Jr /Sr High School Media Center.
Meeting Evaluation
Ms. Fischer, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented her review of the November 18, 2020, Board of Education meeting.
Ms. Gilbert moved and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and negotiations.
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:40 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 8:36 p.m.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Petucci the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 8:38 p.m. All voted in favor 7:0.