The Regular Board of Education meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Herkimer Jr/Sr High School Library Media Center by President Crandall and the Pledge of Allegiance was said.
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:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to formally approve the consent agenda. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
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. Fischer seconded a motion to place all appropriate Board Communications on file with the District Clerk. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Approval of the Minutes: Mr. Lewis moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to formally approve the Board of Education Budget Hearing Meeting minutes from Tuesday, August 3, 2021. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Business Reports:
Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE accepts receipt of the June Treasurer’s Report, Revenue Status Report, Appropriation Status Report, General Warrant totaling $4,074,254.42, Capital Warrant totaling $310,091.16, Federal Warrant totaling $73,890.15, Expendable Trust Warrant, the July Exceptions Report , the June HHS/HES Extra-Curricular Treasurer’s Report, 2018 Capital project Change Order Updates, and eight (8) Budget Transfers under the $5,000 total. A brief discussion followed regarding bus runs. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
Budget Transfers Over: Upon recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Lewis, the BOE approved thirteen (13) budget transfers over the $5,000 limit totaling $848,200. All voted in favor; motion carried 7-0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
Bailment Agreement Resolution:
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Lewis seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Bailment Agreement, dated August 18, 2021, between the Herkimer CSD (the Bailor) and the Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego Board of Cooperative Educational Services (Bailee) as presented to the Board at this meeting. This agreement will cover equipment leased to Herkimer BOCES for use in the Pathways in Technology Early College Program.”
A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
Tax Warrant Resolution:
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Ms. Fischer, the BOE formally authorized the 2021-2022 School Tax Warrant in the amount of $9,451,000. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental packet dated 8-18-21).
District-wide and Building Level Safety Plan Resolution:
Mr. Petucci moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Herkimer CSD held a public hearing on July 7, 2021, for the purpose of discussing the revisions to the District-wide and Building Level Safety Plan; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education hereby adopts the District-wide and Building Level Safety Plan for the State Education Department.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
5-Year School Bus Agreement:
Mr. Lewis moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded to accept/approve the following Board resolution: “WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District desires to enter into a contract with Birnie Bus Services, Inc. for the purpose of providing school year transportation for the time period of September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2026. WHEREAS, it is the Districts desire for the Superintendent and the Board President to sign this contract on the Boards behalf.”
A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
Disposal of Surplus Items Resolution:
Ms. Fischer moved, and Mr. Carney seconded to accept the following Board resolution:“WHEREAS, the Herkimer CSD owns the items listed in Part C (Disposal) which are no longer useful or necessary for the school district’s purpose and are of no value to the Herkimer CSD, as indicated in Mrs. Frasier’s Fixed Asset Inventory Control Forms, and; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , that the Board of Education hereby declares those items to be surplus as they have no further value to the school district and authorizes the Business Office to inform the appropriate personnel to dispose of those items in the best interest of the school district.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
Steet-Ponte Lease Agreement:
Mr. Lewis moved, and Ms. Gilbert seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District authorizes the district to enter into a three year lease agreement with Steet-Ponte Chevrolet for the purposes of obtaining a vehicle for the districts instructional use, not to exceed $400 per month, and;
THEREFORE, the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign on behalf of the Board to enter into the agreement.”
A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
Superintendent Report:
You received the APR grant application FS 10 and budget narrative for the district’s use of APR funds. The application contains some minor changes from our discussions in the budget process and at prior meetings. The next step in the process is to submit the grant application for review and approval which we plan to do tomorrow as is or with any changes you suggest. The district can adjust the grant through the FS 10 A (Budget Adjustment) process throughout the three years of the grant. The submission and approval process may also cause minor changes to the grant. The total spending over 3 years is $3,244,528.
The district has submitted the IDEA grants totaling about $310,000 supporting special education services in the district and expect approval soon. Lobbying for full funding of IDEA by the federal government would be an important lobbying effort for our school. The district’s pre-k grants totaling about $245,000 should be submitted Friday and are due August 31, 2021. This grant is about $185,000 more than in prior years due to federal expansion funds available to the district this year. The $1,443,628 ESSER II grant was submitted and was approved in the last couple of weeks. The extended P tech grant Application has been submitted totaling $400,000 and we await approval. The district will have submitted federal and state grants this summer totaling more than $5,643,000 by weeks end. The consolidated grant application is the only federal grant outstanding and is due August 31, 2021. The consolidated grants, Title I, Title II and Title IV, total about $500,000 and fund our academic intervention programs as well as some technology services through Title IV. The district was also awarded a $90,000 technology/connectivity grant for approximately $90,000 in technology devices for students and staff. Further we applied for a $20,000 cafeteria grant for needed cafeteria equipment and await approval.
The calendar will be adjusted to include the following shortened session days on:
October 8, December 8, January 19, February 16, April 20, and May 25
Reopening planning:
Students will be in school every day pre-k – 12.
The reopening plan will be modified over the next week as the safety service develops guidance for us. The key points are that we will have a universal indoor mask mandate for staff and students when they cannot socially distance. The universal indoor mask policy will begin on August 23. Students will be able to take mask breaks when seated and properly socially distanced. Masks will not be required outside but are recommended for the unvaccinated in crowded situations. Physical education and music will take place inside masking is required except for instrumental music where distancing should be used when possible.
Returning to school or work does not require a test this year but they are recommended. Students and staff must be symptom free for 24 hours or have an alternate diagnosis from their healthcare provider.
We will be finalizing the reopening plan over the next week or two as guidance and information from various entities become available. We need to make sure that our reopening plan conforms to Federal guidance under ESSER and APR guidance.
Administrative Reports:
Ms. Vogt, Ms. Paragi, Mr. Abbe and Ms. Tomaso’s reports were all reviewed by the BOE. A brief discussion followed.
Staffing Recommendations: Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Fischer, seconded by Mr. Lewis, the BOE approved the following personnel actions as presented. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0:
Teaching Resignation:
Name: Jones, Michelle
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: August 24, 2021
Staffing Appointments:
NAME:
Brown, Jamie
TENURE AREA(s): Elementary Education
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROBATIONARY SERVICE IN EACH TENURE AREA: September 1, 2021
EXPIRATION DATE OF PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT: August 31, 2025
To the extent required by the applicable provisions of Education Law Section 2509, 2573, 3213 and 3014, in order to be granted tenure, the classroom teacher or building principal shall have received composite or overall annual professional performance review ratings pursuant to Education Law 3012-d of either effective or highly effective in at least (3) of the four (4) preceding years. If the classroom teacher or building principal receives an ineffective composite or overall rating in the final year of the probationary period, he or she shall not be eligible for tenure at that time. For purposes of this subdivision, classroom teacher and building principal mean a classroom teacher or building principal as such terms are defined in Sections 30-2.2 and 30-3.2 of the Part.
Effective: September 1, 2021
SALARY: Step 1, 2021-2025 Herkimer Faculty Association Contract
CSE/CPSE Chair:
Name: Roberts, Christopher
Position: CSE/CPSE Chairperson
Effective Date: August 17, 2021
Salary: $300/day per diem
Non-Teaching Appointment:
Name: Gay, Jodi
Position: Typist
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Effective Date: August 30, 2021
Salary: $17.00/hour
(Probationary period from August 30, 2021 – February 28, 2022)
Name: Johnson, Melissa
Position: Typist (Pending fingerprint clearance)
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: September 6, 2021
Salary: $16.75/hour
(Probationary period from September 6, 2021 – March 5, 2021)
CSE/CPSE Substitute Aide Appointment:
Name: Clough, Barbara
Position: 1:1 Substitute aide at St. Francis de Sales (Pending fingerprint clearance)
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
Salary: $15.00/hour
Name: Hyney, Alyssa
Position: 1:1 Substitute aide at St. Francis de Sales (Pending fingerprint clearance)
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
Salary: $15.00/hour
Substitute Appointment:
Name: Neff, Paige
Position: Long-Term Substitute
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
Salary: $207.50/day
Name: Lewandrowski, Kory
Position: Long-Term Substitute
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
Salary: $207.50/day
Name: Saunders, Nancy
Position:Substitute RN
Location: St. Francis de Sales School
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
Salary: $20.00/hour
Substitute Appointment Amended: BOE 07/07/21
Name: Futscher, James
Position: Long-Term Substitute
Location: High School
Effective Date: July 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022
Salary: $207.50/day
Retired Substitute Appointment:
Name: Clark, MaryEllen
Position: Registered Nurse
Location: District-wide
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, as needed
Salary; $25.56/hour
Name: French, JoAnn
Position: Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, as needed
Salary: Based on Annual Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
Name: Jones, Marianne
Position: Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, as needed
Salary: Based on Annual Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
Name: Wandell, Franca
Position: Secretary
Location: Jr./Sr. High School
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, as needed
Salary: $23.70/hour
Name: Welch, Kathy
Position: Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, as needed
Salary: Based on Annual Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
Name: Weslowski, Maggie
Position: Teacher
Location: Elementary School
Effective Date: September 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022, as needed
Salary: Based on Annual Payment Guidelines for Substitutes
Maternity-Leave Request:
Name: Burns, Victoria
Position: Elementary School
Effective on or before: September 7, 2021
Anticipated leave approximately 6-12 weeks; pending physician’s release
Mentor Appointments for 2021-2022 School Year:
Heather McCutcheon, Classroom Teacher (Mentor)
Paige Neff, Classroom Teacher (Mentee)
Salary per the HFA contract
Leah Zorn, Classroom Teacher (Mentor)
Russell Ritzel, Classroom Teacher (Mentee)
Salary per the HFA contract
Rich Schoff, Classroom Teacher (Mentor)
Jamie Brown, Classroom Teacher (Mentee)
Salary per the HFA contract
Brenna Kirkpatrick, Classroom Teacher (Mentor)
Sara Brown, Classroom Teacher (Mentee)
Salary per the HFA contract
Julie Irizarry, Special Education Teacher (Mentor)
Dinah Poland, Special Education Teacher (Mentee)
Salary per the HFA contract
Coaching Recommendations:
Fall 2021 Coaching Appointments*
Name: Hutton, Chelsea
Position: Varsity Cheerleading
Salary Per HFA Contract, may be pro-rated as negotiated
* Conditioned upon a sufficient number of schools participating to merit a season with sufficient student participation to field a team
Fall 2021 Unpaid Coaching Appointments:
Leskovar, Amanda – Varsity Field Hockey Volunteer Assistant Coach
High Risk Sports Plan Resolution: Ms. Gilbert moved, and Mr. Carney seconded the following Board resolution: “BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the District will initiate interscholastic athletics under guidance from NYSED, NYDOH and NYSPHSAA and hereby rescinds the High Risk Sports Plan previously adopted.”
All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
Football/Cheerleading Participation Resolution: A discussion ensued regarding the resolution as presented. Mr. Carney moved, and Mr. Lewis seconded the motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss further. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. Mr. Miller asked for the audience (other than Board of Education members) to remove themselves from the room. Mr. Carney then rescinded his motion, and Mr. Lewis seconded it, and asked to instead table agenda item 7d. Football/Cheerleading Participation Resolution until after Executive Session. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0.
Board of Education Reports:
Policy Review/Adoption:
Mr. Lewis moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded the following Board resolution: WHEREAS, it is customary practice of the BOE to have three readings of a policy prior to its adoption; and WHEREAS, the BOE wishes to adopt several policies recommended by the Policy Committee, to wit,
- #8200 Home Instruction;
- #8201 Homebound Instruction;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the BOE hereby waives the BOE’s customary practice of three readings prior to the adoption of policies, and adopts the following policy, incorporated by reference in the minutes of this meeting:
A brief discussion followed. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
2021-2022 SBI General Membership Meeting Dates:
The 2021-2022 School Board Institute General Membership Meeting dates were presented to the Board of Education.
Committee Updates:
Mr. Mihevc gave an update on his meeting with the town regarding the sewer line and the re-designed plan. The building committee approved the changes.
Future Meeting Dates/Agenda Items:
The next scheduled BOE meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High School Library media center, with a BOE workshop preceding the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting Evaluation:
Mr. Mihevc, this evening’s meeting evaluator, presented his review of the August 18, 2021 Board of Education meeting, and thanked Ms. Frasier for all the information she presented in tonight’s workshop.
Ms. Gilbert moved, and Ms. Fischer seconded a motion to move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing particular personnel and legal advice. 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 8:05 p.m.
The Board entered Regular Session at 8:30 p.m.
Mr. Lewis moved, and Mr. Petucci seconded a motion to remove from the table, agenda item 7.d. Football/Cheerleading Participation Resolution. All voted in favor; motion carried 7:0
Upon the recommendation of Superintendent Miller, on a motion made by Ms. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. Petucci, the BOE approved the following action:
Football/Cheerleading Participation Resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education of the Herkimer Central School District hereby authorizes the Herkimer Central School District to Participate in football and cheerleading, both a high risk sport, for the 2021 Fall athletic season.” Motion carried 5:2. (Material filed in the supplemental file dated 08-18-21)
The Board moved into Exempt Session at 8:32 p.m. to discuss matters covered by attorney client privilege with Attorney James Gregory.
Mr. Miller exited Exempt Session at 8:32 p.m.
The Board exited Exempt Session at 10:01 p.m.
Adjournment: On a motion made by Ms. Gilbert and seconded by Mr. Carney, the BOE adjourned the public meeting at 10:01 p.m. All voted in favor 7:0.