The Regular Board of Education Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria by President Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Board Recognitions:
Ms. Paragi thanked everyone for attending tonight’s Board of Education meeting and introduced the winter scholar athletes. Unfortunately, some of the athletes being honored were unable to attend due to other sporting events taking place this evening. The student athletes received a certificate and pin acknowledging that they received over a 90 average. She also congratulated the Boys and Girls Basketball teams, Boys and Girls Volleyball teams and the Girls Indoor Track and Field team, which were all recognized as Scholar Athlete Teams.
President Crandall congratulated all the athletes. He also acknowledged the student artwork on display in the cafeteria, as well as the artwork displayed at the NYSATA Region 3 Exhibit.
President Crandall explained that the Board of Education 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:
The Board of Education heard no comments from the public.
Approval of the Agenda:
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
3rd Grade Class Presentation:
Mr. Judd thanked the Board of Education for the opportunity for his class, as well as Ms. Brown’s 3rd Grade class, to present their real estate project at tonight’s Board of Education meeting. At this point, the audience members were invited to visit each student (Real Estate Agent), who in turn tried to convince them to purchase their personally designed homes.
Approval of the Minutes:
Mr. Verenich moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education special meeting minutes from Tuesday, March 28, 2023. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Mihevc seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education regular meeting minutes from Wednesday, March 15, 2023. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
Business Reports:
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE accepts receipt of the March Treasurer’s Reports, Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, March General Warrant totaling $1,788,840.62, March Capital Warrant totaling $20,380.86, March Federal Warrant totaling $301,685.95, March Expendable Trust Warrant totaling $250.00, the March Exception Report, March HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Reports, and six (6) budget transfers under the $5,000 total. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
Budget Transfers Over:
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE approved six (6) budget transfers over the $5,000 limit totaling $204,000.00. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23).
Donation to School Resolution:
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept receipt of a donation from the Herkimer Footlighters, which is now part of the Herkimer Jr./Sr. High School Music boosters, in the amount of $2,097.20, to be used to cover the cost of forty tickets to Hamilton the Musical for a field trip for those students who participated in the spring musical; to increase Revenue A2705 and to increase the Appropriation Code A2110 450E by said amount”.
A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
2023-2024 Adoption of Operations Budget/Board Vote:
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District, upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby adopt the 2023-2024 Operation Budget in the amount of $32,776,543.00 to be presented to district residents for a formal vote on Tuesday, May 16, 2023”.
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
2023-2024 Property Tax Report Card Adoption:
Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby authorize the Superintendent of Schools to submit and certify the property tax report card to the New York State Education Department (SED) for the 2023-2024 school year”.
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
Community Health and Behavioral Services of Upstate Cerebral Palsy:
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education hereby agrees to enter into an Agreement of Understanding with Community Health and Behavioral Services of Upstate Cerebral Palsy to provide onsite mental health services to certain students identified by the District; and ,
THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”
A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
Management Advisory Group Services Agreement (MAGS):
Mr. Verenich moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board of Education hereby agrees to enter into the 2023-2024 Management Advisory Group Services Agreements [MAGS] as presented; and ,
THEREFORE, it is the Districts desire for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contracts on the Boards behalf.”
A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
MORIC Equipment Resolution:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:
WHEREAS it is the plan of a number of PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS and the MADISONONEIDA BOCES (the “BOCES”) during the 2023-2024 school year to bid jointly for the purchase of various types of computers and technology commodities (the “Commodities”); and
WHEREAS AS, the Herkimer Central School District (“the School District”) is desirous of participating in the joint bidding of the Commodities, as authorized by General Municipal Law, Article 5-G; and
WHEREAS, this Board of Education has received and reviewed the Cooperative Bid Procedures (“the Procedures”) governing its right and responsibilities should it elect to participate in the joint bidding of commodities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with Cooperative Bid Procedures the Board of Education agrees to award bid purchase item purchases according to the recommendation of the BOCES if such award is in the best interest of the school district.
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
Business Office Update:
Mr. Mower was happy to report that the business office has weathered the storms of filling positions in their office and that Mr. Chad Hess will start his role as Business Manager this coming Monday. Mr. Mower informed the Board that he will help transition Mr. Hess and thanked them and Superintendent Carney for the opportunity to come back and work in Herkimer. The Board of Education members in turn thanked Mr. Mower for all his assistance and hard work.
Superintendent Report:
Superintendent Update:
Superintendent Carney expressed her gratitude to Mr. Mower for coming back to Herkimer to help our district out when they needed it. Having him here to help with the budget was beneficial to our district. She is truly grateful for him and the knowledge he brought with him. Thank you, Mr. Mower!
Superintendent Carney extended congratulations to the scholar athletes that were honored tonight; acknowledged the hard work and amazing presentations given by Mr. Judd and Ms. Brown’s 3rd Grade classes; and acknowledged the artwork from our high school students that was on display;
Superintendent Carney expressed how pleased she was to see so many spectators at all of the events happening in the district. In particular, she loved seeing the enthusiasm and the great attendance at the Faculty game and was happy to see that a fun time was had by all; Ms. McCutcheon was in Texas for an art convention and to accept the YAM Award, which she is so deserving of; Ms. Meyer had a very robust and well-organized itinerary for the Costa Rica trip. The students had an amazing time, and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
She included other updates such as; Teacher Appreciation week coming up in May; Administrative Professional Day next week; School Calendar and Spring Break; Meeting with Herkimer County legislatures next week regarding possible funds to donate; Walk through with HR Beebe Project Manager; Finishing up budget newsletter and postcard mailing; they are starting to post positions; and the legal recommendation for Lego League account is to make every effort to go back and return donations. A discussion followed.
Administrative Reports:
Ms. Vogt, Mr. Abbe, Ms. Paragi and Ms. Tomaso gave an overview of their reports. A brief discussion followed. All reports were reviewed by the BOE.
Staffing Recommendations:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the following personnel actions as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0:
Teacher Resignation:
Name: Crandall, Jenna
Position: Elementary Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: June 30, 2023
Teaching Tenure Appointments:
Name: Augustine (Winkler), Michalyn
Position: Elementary Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Tenure Area: Childhood Education (Birth-2) (1-6)
Prob. Period Served: 07/15/19 – 07/14/23
Effective Date: July 15, 2023
Name: Carpineti, Jessica
Position: School Social Worker
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Tenure Area: Social Work
Prob. Period Served: 09/03/19 – 09/02/23
Effective Date: September 3, 2023
Name: Gosier (Elinger), Amberlyn
Position: Elementary Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Tenure Area: Childhood Education (1-6)
Prob. Period Served: 07/15/19 – 07/14/23
Effective Date: July 15, 2023
Name: Lalonde, Jillian
Position: Secondary English Teacher
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Tenure Area: Secondary English
Prob. Period Served: 08/01/19 – 07/31/23
Effective Date: August 1, 2023
Name: Lanahan, Vanessa
Position: Physical Education Teacher
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Tenure Area: Physical Education
Prob. Period Served: 08/01/19 – 07/31/23
Effective Date: August 1, 2023
Name: Mathy, Richard
Position: STEM Teacher
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Tenure Area: Secondary Science
Prob. Period Served: 09/01/19 – 08/31/23
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Name: Paul, Heather
Position: School Counselor
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Tenure Area: School Counselor
Prob. Period Served: 09/01/20 – 08/31/23
Effective Date: September 1, 2023
Name: Schneider, Joshua
Position: Math Teacher
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Tenure Area: Secondary Mathematics
Prob. Period Served: 08/01/19 – 07/31/23
Effective Date: August 1, 2023
Name: Sommer, Ashley
Position: Licensed Teaching Assistant
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Tenure Area: Teaching Assistant
Prob. Period Served: 04/23/19 – 04/24/23
Effective Date: April 25, 2023
Name: Steele, Zachary
Position: Social Studies Teacher
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Tenure Area: Secondary Social Studies
Prob. Period Served: 08/01/19 – 07/31/23
Effective Date: August 1, 2023
Non-Teaching Appointment:
Name: Peterson, Alicia
Position: Typist
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Effective Date: April 20, 2023
Probationary Period: 04/20/23 – 10/19/23
Salary: $17.00/hour
Home Tutor Appointments:
Name: Jakubowski, Martin
Position: Tutorial Services (District-Wide)
Effective Date: 2022-2023 School Year, as needed
Salary: Per HFA Contract
Name: Reed, Virginia
Position: Tutorial Services (District-Wide)
Effective Date: 2022-2023 School Year, as needed
Salary: Per HFA Contract
CSE/CPSE Program/Placement Recommendations:
Upon recommendation from Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the Committee on Special Education, the Sub-Committee 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 04-19-23)
HCSD/CSEA MOA – Building Maintenance Mechanic:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE hereby accepts the Memorandum of Agreement between the Herkimer Central School District and the CSEA Local 1000 AFSCME AFL-CIO Herkimer Central School Unit Part-Time Non-Teaching Employees Unit #7112-02 of Herkimer County Local 822 and the CSEA Local 1000 AFSCME AFL-CIO Herkimer Central School Full Time Non-Teaching Unit #7112-00 of Herkimer County Local 822; regarding the salary of a Part-Time Building Maintenance Mechanic, and for the Superintendent of Schools to sign the contract on the Boards behalf.”
A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
Paid Holiday Resolution:
Mr. Lamanna moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Herkimer Central School District Board of Education does hereby authorize the Superintendent of Schools to grant the federal holiday, Juneteenth (June 19, 2023) to all 11 and 12 month employees as a paid holiday.”
A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
2023-2024 Non-Transportation Requests:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Herkimer Central School District Board of Education does hereby authorize the following transportation requests for the 2023-2024 school year:”
Christian Heritage School
Student 1: 528 McKennan Road, Herkimer, NY
Student 2: 528 McKennan Road, Herkimer, NY
Student 3: 205 Margaret Street, Herkimer, NY
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
Board of Education Reports:
BOCES Board/Budget Vote Resolution:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded the following Board resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District does hereby authorize the District Clerk to cast one vote on the Herkimer Fulton Hamilton Otsego BOCES Administrative Budget as presented for the 2023-2024 school year and cast four votes for BOCES Board of Education members.”
A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
Regulation Update:
Upon the recommendation from Superintendent Carney, on a motion made by Mr. Mihevc, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the update to Regulation #8001.3, Assumption of Risk Form. A discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0 (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 04-19-23)
President’s Update:
President Crandall informed the Board that he attended the 2nd Grade play in March and thought they did a great job. He also attended the BOCES Showcase and was impressed to see everything that all of the schools are doing. Lastly, he asked that if anyone was interested in attending SBI, to let Ms. Steele know by May 5 so she can register them.
Mr. Petucci added that the permission slip for Prom was a great addition.
Future Meeting Dates/Agenda Items:
The next scheduled BOE meeting will be the budget hearing and will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Library Media Center; the budget vote will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 12–8 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Library Media Center; the next regular BOE meeting will take place the following evening on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 6 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Library Media Center. All agreed on dates and times.
Meeting Evaluation:
Mr. Lamanna, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented his review of the April 19, 2023, Board of Education meeting. He felt it was a good meeting that ran smoothly.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Lamanna seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel and legal. The Board may take action in public session after the Executive Session ends and the Board returns to public session. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Executive Session:
The Board moved into Executive Session at 7:31 p.m.
The Board exited Executive Session at 9:25 p.m.
Adjournment:
On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Lamanna, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 9:26 p.m. All voted in favor 7:0.
Susan L. Steele
District Clerk